William Maley

I happen to be one of those few people who liked the current Volkswagen Passat. Aside from the stale design which makes the Toyota Camry look like the Mona Lisa, there were a fair number of items that I liked. From the large interior space, comfortable ride, and value for money proposition. One huge drawback I noted in my review back in 2012 was the base 2.5L five-cylinder. Not only did the engine had to be worked to get it to move the vehicle, it was one of the noisiest engines engines I had ever driven. But last year, Volkwagen announced that the 2.5 would be going the way of the dodo bird and a new turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder would take its place. I had the chance to sample it in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat SEL. Would this fix one of the Passat's biggest problems? Oh yes. The 1.8T makes 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Both have the same horsepower, but the 1.8T has seven more pound-feet. This makes a difference when leaving a stop. The 1.8T feels much more punchy when leaving a stop and has more than enough oomph to move you along at a rapid pace. As for noise, the 1.8T is noticeably quieter. The six-speed automatic delivered quick and smooth shifts. Fuel economy wise, the 1.8T gets 24 City/34 Highway/28 Combined. In my week long test, I got an average of 29.2 MPG. Otherwise, the 2014 Passat is pretty much unchanged which for the most part is very good. The interior was well equipped in this SEL tester with dual-zone climate, touchscreen navigation, leather, and heated seats. Ride quality was excellent as the Passat was able to ride over bumps and provide a quiet ride. Those who want a bit of sporting might want to look at either a Honda Accord or Mazda6. The Passat corners decently, but the rubbery steering does let it down. Volkswagen fixed one of the major problems with the Passat by dropping the 2.5 and putting in the 1.8T. This makes the Passat a more compelling choice in the class. Also, when you consider that this top line 1.8T model costs $31,715 with destination, its also quite the bargain. Now if they could only work on the design... Disclaimer: Volkswagen Provided the Passat, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Volkswagen Model: Passat Trim: SEL Premium Engine: 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-Four Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 170 @ 4800 Torque @ RPM: 184 @ 1500 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 24/34/28 Curb Weight: 3,230 lbs Location of Manufacture: Chattanooga, TN Base Price: $30,895 As Tested Price: $31,715 (Includes $820.00 Destination Charge) Options: N/A William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Volvo Announces August Sales ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Sept. 3, 2014) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 4,960 units for the month of August. Year-to-date sales are down 11 percent versus the first eight months of 2013. The top seller for August was the XC60 crossover with 1,792 units sold, while the S60 sports sedan finished the month right behind with 1,724 units sold. Revealed in Stockholm last week to much acclaim, the all-new XC90 will begin production at the end of January 2015. With world-leading safety features, an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency, including the world’s first seven-seat plug-in hybrid, and a striking design, it will signal a new era of success.

Porsche Reports August Sales -- up 36.5% over 2013 U.S. Porsche dealers sell 4,540 vehicles ATLANTA, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor in the United States of Porsche 918 Spyder, 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars, Macan and Cayenne SUVs, and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up, today announced August 2014 sales of 4,540 vehicles. During the first eight months of 2014, PCNA has delivered 31,759 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 11.6 percent over last year (28,456). August was noteworthy due to strong 911 sales, which were 32 percent higher than last August. "It is gratifying to see our iconic sports car continue to be a strong performer," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America, "particularly the race-bred 911 GT3, of which 206 were delivered by our dealers." Deliveries of 1,485 Cayenne SUVs in August were on par with last year's sales of 1,435. The sporty Macan recorded August sales of 969 and has reached a share of over twelve percent of the year's total sales volume in only its fourth month on the market. Finally, the limited edition super sports car 918 Spyder continues to be delivered to the first U.S. customers. Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales in the U.S. were 1,113 for August 2014, an increase of 18.2 percent from the same period last year.

Toyota Posts Best-Ever Sales In August 2014 Toyota is No. 1 retail manufacturer; Toyota SUVs record best sales month ever TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2014) – Toyota, Scion and Lexus today reported total August 2014 sales results of 246,100 units, an increase of 10.2 percent over August 2013 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in August 2014 versus 28 selling days in August 2013, sales increased 6.3 percent over year-ago month. Toyota division posted August 2014 sales of 213,291 units, up 9.6 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota division sales increased 5.7 percent over August 2013. “The industry had its best August in over a decade with sales topping 1.5 million vehicles," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "Boosted by standout SUV sales and a record-shattering month for RAV4, Toyota was the number 1 retail manufacturer in August." Lexus reported August sales of 32,809 units, a 14.2 percent increase on a DSR basis and a 10.1 percent increase on a raw-volume basis, both year-over-year. “It was a great market from top to bottom in August,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “Lexus had its second straight record-setting month as both passenger cars and luxury utility vehicles posted solid gains.” Other Highlights: Camry posts sales of more than 44,000 units All-new Corolla up over 23 percent Avalon up nearly 13 percent Prius posts sales of nearly 24,000 units Toyota SUVs up about 28 percent, posts best month ever All-new RAV4 up 51.5 percent, tops the previous best-ever record set just last month 4Runner up 67 percent All-new Highlander posts sales of 11,489 units All-new Tundra up 4 percent for the month Tacoma posts sales of over 14,000 units All-new Lexus IS increased 20 percent Lexus ES posts sales of more than 7,600 units Lexus GS up nearly 14 percent Lexus luxury utility vehicles up almost 12 percent Lexus GX posts triple-digit gains for the tenth month in a row Lexus RX about 4 percent

All-time Record Sales for Honda Accord Leads American Honda to Near-Record August 09/03/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif. Honda Accord sets all-time monthly record with 51,075 units sold – up 32.5% in August Honda Division sales reach 151,551, just 263 units shy of second-best month in history New Acura TLX drives heavy dealer traffic in its first weeks on the market Acura ILX has best-ever August sales, rising 5.7% for the month American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported August 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 167,038 units, an increase of 0.4 percent versus August of last year. The Honda division posted the third highest monthly sales result its 44-year history, on sales of 151,551 vehicles in August while Acura posted sales of 15,487 units in the same period. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 1,042,382 units. Honda Accelerating its strong summer sales performance, the Honda brand topped 150,000 units in a single month for only the third time in its history, as Accord led the way selling at an all-time record pace in August. [The all-time record of 153,104 units was set in the midst of a severe gas price hike in May 2008.] 51,075 Accords were sold in August, an all-time monthly record and an increase of 32.5 percent. It was the eighth-straight monthly gain for Accord. Odyssey also showed strength in August, with 12,488 units sold for a gain of 12.9 percent. "The fundamental strengths of the Honda brand are on full display as the Accord strengthened its position as the best-selling car uniquely driven by retail sales to individual buyers," said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. "Our other core models, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey are also performing well and continue to drive our retail sales leadership in 2014. And the early market response to the redesigned 2015 Fit is a strong indicator of great things to come as supplies improve," added Conrad. Acura With the new Acura TLX arriving at dealers across the country last month, enthusiastic customers gave Acura dealers much to cheer about in August, as the new luxury performance sedan sold nearly as fast as dealers could unload them from transport trucks. While TLX supplies continue to ramp up, the best-selling MDX continued to set a near-record pace, and ILX enjoyed its best August on record. TLX went on-sale mid-August and is driving heavy dealer traffic to dealerships nationwide. The great majority of these early units were 3.5-liter V6 models as the 2.4-liter four cylinder began arriving later in the month and V6 SH-AWD models just starting to ship. With supplies improving, the Acura ILX posted its best ever August result on sales of 1,798 units, an increase of 5.7 percent. "With TLX less than a month on the market, our dealers are reporting incredible showroom traffic with customers trying to buy a TLX before we can get it on the dealer lot," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "Customer interest is the strongest we’ve seen on a new model launch, and we’re just now starting to deliver the highly-rated TLX four-cylinder and V6 SH-AWD models."

KIA MOTORS AMERICA ANNOUNCES RECORD AUGUST SALES Year-to-Date Sales Up 6.9 Percent IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3, 2014 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced record August sales of 54,667 units, a 5.1-percent increase over the same period last year. Kia’s year-to-date sales are up 6.9 percent, and the brand’s aggressive new product cadence continues this quarter with the scheduled launches of the all-new Sedona and Soul EV. As part of the rollout of Kia’s first all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle in the U.S., the latest installment of the award-winning advertising campaign featuring the brand’s music-loving hamsters is now airing. “With one of the freshest lineups in the industry, more and more customers are discovering the world-class quality, styling and technology Kia offers in every segment, from subcompact to luxury,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. “The Kia brand continues to grow and mature, and the upcoming arrival of the Sedona will continue that trend while the Soul EV, which serves as the centerpiece of our Clean Mobility program, will strengthen our position as one of the 50 Best Global Green Brands1.”

Mercedes-Benz Delivers Best-Ever August Sales With 27,078 Units, Up 9.4% Sprinter Vans, smart post double-digit gains MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz today reported record-breaking August sales volumes with 27,078 units sold across its passenger car and light truck lineups, a 9.4% gain from the 24,761 vehicles sold the same month last year. Adding 1,880 units for Sprinter Vans and 1,334 units at smart – up 35.3% and 34.3%, respectively – total August sales for Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) hit a record 30,292, increasing 11.6% from the 27,144 retails in August 2013. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz sales totaled 205,894, up 8.2%. Volumes of 15,577 at Sprinter and 7,332 at smart propelled MBUSA to a grand total of 228,803. "A record sales pace and strong customer focus has honed our competitive edge in the luxury market," said Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "With the new C-Class rolling onto dealer lots and our first entry into the compact utility segment just weeks away, we're in the early stages of a product offensive that will take the brand to its highest year on record." August sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The E-Class took the lead with 6,481 units for the month, followed by 5,151 units for the C-Class, which enters an all-new generation for model year 2015 now available in showrooms. The brand's best-selling SUV, the M-Class, completed the top three at 3,438. At the high end, the CLS-Class four-door coupe posted monthly sales gains of 47.8% with 1,150 vehicles, while the flagship S-Class continued to show strong momentum at 1,855 (up 312.2%). Mercedes-Benz AMG high-performance models delivered August sales of 736, while year-to-date volumes increased 64.4% to 7,224. Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models totaled 979 for the month with year-to-date volumes reaching 10,263. Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales volumes of 13,018 vehicles in August, up 40.6% from the 9,261 units sold during the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 79,704 units, an increase of 20.3% from the 66,241 vehicles sold through August 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Delivers Best-Ever August Sales With 27,078 Units, Up 9.4% Sprinter Vans, smart post double-digit gains MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz today reported record-breaking August sales volumes with 27,078 units sold across its passenger car and light truck lineups, a 9.4% gain from the 24,761 vehicles sold the same month last year. Adding 1,880 units for Sprinter Vans and 1,334 units at smart – up 35.3% and 34.3%, respectively – total August sales for Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) hit a record 30,292, increasing 11.6% from the 27,144 retails in August 2013. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz sales totaled 205,894, up 8.2%. Volumes of 15,577 at Sprinter and 7,332 at smart propelled MBUSA to a grand total of 228,803. "A record sales pace and strong customer focus has honed our competitive edge in the luxury market," said Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "With the new C-Class rolling onto dealer lots and our first entry into the compact utility segment just weeks away, we're in the early stages of a product offensive that will take the brand to its highest year on record." August sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The E-Class took the lead with 6,481 units for the month, followed by 5,151 units for the C-Class, which enters an all-new generation for model year 2015 now available in showrooms. The brand's best-selling SUV, the M-Class, completed the top three at 3,438. At the high end, the CLS-Class four-door coupe posted monthly sales gains of 47.8% with 1,150 vehicles, while the flagship S-Class continued to show strong momentum at 1,855 (up 312.2%). Mercedes-Benz AMG high-performance models delivered August sales of 736, while year-to-date volumes increased 64.4% to 7,224. Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models totaled 979 for the month with year-to-date volumes reaching 10,263. Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales volumes of 13,018 vehicles in August, up 40.6% from the 9,261 units sold during the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 79,704 units, an increase of 20.3% from the 66,241 vehicles sold through August 2013.

Mitsubishi Motors Continues Strong Sales Pace Best August sales in three years Redesigned Outlander experiences best year-to-date sales in six years CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) continues its upward sales momentum through the month of August with sales totaling 6,786 units, a 28.5 percent increase over the sales total from August 2013. The American-made Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover/SUV was the brand's sales leader among its diverse model lineup with sales of 2,869 units in August – the best August sales month and the second best all-time month of sales since its release in 2010. Like the Outlander Sport, the extremely fuel-efficient Mirage 5-door sub-compact scored its second best all-time month of sales in August with 1,666 units sold. The recently redesigned Outlander 7-passenger crossover/SUV also demonstrated exceptional sales momentum with sales of 1,134 units for August. Sales for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick+"-rated Outlander are now up 19.9 percent year-to-date and represent the best January through August sales for the model since 2008. "Outlander Sport and Mirage continue to lead the way with consistently strong sales," said MMNA Executive Vice President of Sales, Don Swearingen. "And it is equally gratifying to see our redesigned Outlander crossover/SUV have its strongest sales run since 2008. Outlander offers excellent fuel efficiency and highly advanced safety technologies all at a very affordable price." Other highlights of August sales include: Total Mitsubishi sales are up 28.9 percent year-to-date Best August sales for the brand since 2011 Best Lancer Evolution sales in August since 2008 Outlander Sport sales are up 25 percent year-to-date

BMW Group U.S. Reports August 2014 Sales BMW brand sales up 11.0 percent – Best August Ever MINI brand sales down 16.9 percent Woodcliff Lake, NJ - September 3, 2014… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 32,220 vehicles, an increase of 5.5 percent from the 30,546 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 5.4 percent on sales of 245,974 in the first eight months of 2014 compared to 233,326 in the same period in 2013. BMW Brand Sales – Best August Ever Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 11.0 percent in August for a total of 27,214 compared to 24,523 vehicles sold in August, 2013. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 11.6 percent on sales of 211,005 compared to 188,997 sold in the first eight months of 2013. “August - and Labor Day in particular – not only mean the end of summer but they’re also the transition to the very important selling season in the final four months of the year and the strong results posted by both new and pre-owned BMW are the best indicator of what we can expect,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “Topping 200,000 sales in the U.S. in the first eight months of this year is our new benchmark and I’m especially pleased to see the results for our born-electric BMW i3 and we look forward to the sales launch of the new M4 Convertible next month.” MINI Brand Sales For August, MINI USA reports 5,006 automobiles, a decrease of 16.9 percent from the 6,023 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA reported a sales total of 34,969 automobiles, a decrease of 21.1 percent from the 44,329 automobiles sold in the first eight months of 2013.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REPORTS AUGUST SALES Best August in Company History Company Tops 500,000 Sales Faster than any other Time in its History Sonata, Genesis Sedan, Tucson and Santa Fe all up double digits FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept 3, 2014 – Hyundai Motor America today announced an all-time August sales record of 70,003 units, up six percent versus the same record-setting period in 2013 and only the second time ever the company has topped the 70,000 mark. “Sales continued to gain momentum as the month progressed and we finished the Labor Day holiday weekend strong,” said Bob Pradzinski, vice president of national sales, Hyundai Motor America. “The all-new Sonata, Genesis and our CUVs played a big role in helping us score a record August.” Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Tucson CUVs recorded sales increases of 15 and 35 percent, respectively, while the Sonata (up 25 percent) and Genesis sedans (up 15 percent) continued their impressive roll-outs.

MAZDA RECORDS BEST AUGUST SALES IN 12 YEARS IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported August U.S. sales of 31,305 vehicles, representing an increase of 11.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through August are up 9.6 percent versus last year, with 216,973 vehicles sold. "Mazda6 and CX-5 continue to grow as consumer favorites," said Ron Stettner, vice president of sales, MNAO. "We are seeing customers come out of premium vehicles to get into a Mazda because of the driving dynamics, styling and interior appointments. The quality of our products offer consumers a near-premium experience for a great value." Key August sales notes: August 2014 marked Mazda's best August since 2002 (12 years) with 31,305 vehicles sold and an increase of 11.4 percent year-over-year (YOY). Mazda6 recorded its best August in nine years (2005) with 5,631 vehicles sold, an increase of 32.5 percent YOY. Mazda CX-5 saw its best August ever with 10,709 vehicles sold and an increase of 25.9 percent YOY. August 2014 is the second-best month of CX-5 sales, ever. SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY proves to be the key between performance and fuel efficiency as customers demand a no compromise solution. More than 86.9 percent of Mazdas sold in August were equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) August sales of 4,469 vehicles, up 22.0 percent YOY. Year-to-date CPO sales are up 16 percent versus last year, with 28,758 vehicles sold. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported August sales of 3,567 vehicles, up 23.0 percent versus August of last year and the 19th consecutive month of YOY growth. August 2014 also marked the best-ever month of Mazda3 sales with 2,203 vehicles sold.

Maserati North America, Inc. Reports Most Successful Sales Month in its History with Record 312% Gain YTD ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh off the heels of California's Monterey Car Week – where the Trident celebrated its 100th Anniversary with the North American debut of the stunning Alfieri GT concept – Maserati strikes again by reporting its most successful month ever with (1,274 units) sold. Throughout the year, Maserati North America, Inc. has maintained strong sales momentum, with 2014 sales already surpassing total sales of 2012 and 2013 combined. August closed with a record 268% increase compared to the same month last year and a 312% gain year to date (YTD). The continued traction of the Maserati Ghibli is largely the force behind the brand's unprecedented growth in North America. With a starting price of $66,900, the Ghibli is an accessible offering befitting to a younger and more diverse consumer. "The Ghibli places the dream of owning a Maserati within easier reach to more buyers, and as word of its unique balance of performance, exotic appeal and attainability continues to spread, Ghibli sales continue to grow," states Peter Grady, President & CEO of Maserati North America, Inc. "Together with the range-topping Quattroporte, GranTurismo range and Alfieri concept, this is an exciting new day and age for Maserati." Marking 100 years of automotive excellence is a rare and distinguishing achievement, particularly as the company looks ahead with a comprehensive product plan including the upcoming new Alfieri concept. This centenary 2+2 GT concept explores Maserati's stylistic heritage and hints at the brand's future design language. In the nearer term, new updates and enhancements are forthcoming for the model year 2015 Ghibli and Quattroporte models, with more surprises still in store for the remainder of 2014.

SUBARU REPORTS BEST-EVER SALES MONTH All-time monthly sales record of 50,246 Best Legacy, Forester and XV Crosstrek month ever Best Outback August ever Sixth consecutive month that Subaru brand sales exceed 40,000 sales 33rd consecutive month of year-over-year growth Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 50,246 vehicle sales for August 2014, a 22 percent increase over August 2013 sales of 41,061. August marks the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous record set in July 2014 (45,714). Year-to-date Subaru sales totaled 333,968 – a 19 percent increase over the same period in 2013. Marking the company’s consistent growth, August 2014 is the 33rd consecutive month that Subaru has seen year-over-year growth. Following their first full month on sale, the all-new Subaru Legacy and Outback each set sales records for the month. Outback had its best August ever while Legacy posted its best month since August 1995. Additionally, August 2014 saw the best month ever for the Subaru Forester and XV Crosstrek. “We are thrilled to have hit this milestone in August”, said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “Thanks to our strong products and continued accolades, our sales momentum is strong and I am confident that Subaru will achieve an all-time sales record for 2014.” “We are very pleased with the strong retail traffic and demand for our vehicles,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales. “Our retailers continue to sell at record levels of efficiency and we cannot thank them enough for their outstanding sales efforts,” Walters continued.