William Maley

The Chevrolet Spark EV is no more, ending a three-year run for the bowtie brand. The Detroit News learned that production of the Spark EV ended last summer as a part of a move by Chevrolet to get ready with selling the Bolt EV. Another reason not listed in the story is that the Spark EV was based on the previous-generation model, not the all-new model. When Chevrolet revealed the Bolt EV back in 2015, GM executives said the Bolt would likely not replace the Spark EV. Chevrolet spokesman Fred Ligouri said Chevrolet sold about 7,400 Spark EVs during its three-year run from 2013 to 2016. The model was only sold in California, Maryland, and Oregon. Source: The Detroit News View full article

Nissan Group reports January 2017 U.S. sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total U.S. sales for January 2017 of 112,319 units, an increase of 6 percent over the prior year and a January record. Nissan highlights: Nissan Division finished January with 100,761 sales, up 4 percent and also a January record. Overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs set a January record, up 22 percent. Sales of the Nissan Rogue crossover set a January record at 28,760, an increase of 46 percent. Sales of the Pathfinder SUV set a January record at 7,281, up 13 percent. Other truck models showed strong gains, including TITAN, up 195 percent, and Armada, up 147 percent. NISSAN DIVISION JANUARY JANUARY Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg Nissan Division Total 100,761 97,220 3.6 100,761 97,220 3.6 Versa 8,870 8,006 10.8 8,870 8,006 10.8 Sentra 13,444 16,144 -16.7 13,444 16,144 -16.7 Cube 0 3 -100.0 0 3 -100.0 Altima 18,931 22,156 -14.6 18,931 22,156 -14.6 Maxima 3,738 4,415 -15.3 3,738 4,415 -15.3 LEAF 772 755 2.3 772 755 2.3 Juke 1,304 1,510 -13.6 1,304 1,510 -13.6 370Z 324 358 -9.5 324 358 -9.5 GT-R 65 66 -1.5 65 66 -1.5 Total Car 47,448 53,413 -11.2 47,448 53,413 -11.2 Frontier 3,857 6,363 -39.4 3,857 6,363 -39.4 Titan 2,768 937 195.4 2,768 937 195.4 Xterra 0 18 -100.0 0 18 -100.0 Pathfinder 7,281 6,451 12.9 7,281 6,451 12.9 Armada 1,908 774 146.5 1,908 774 146.5 Rogue 28,760 19,762 45.5 28,760 19,762 45.5 Murano 4,363 5,516 -20.9 4,363 5,516 -20.9 Quest 1,878 1,421 32.2 1,878 1,421 32.2 NV 1,234 1,292 -4.5 1,234 1,292 -4.5 NV200 1,264 1,273 -0.7 1,264 1,273 -1 Total Truck 53,313 43,807 21.7 53,313 43,807 21.7 INFINITI JANUARY JANUARY Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg Infiniti Total 11,558 8,514 35.8 11,558 8,514 35.8 Infiniti Q40 0 10 -100.0 0 10 -100.0 Infiniti Q50 3,206 2,914 10.0 3,206 2,914 10.0 Infiniti Q60 732 132 454.5 732 132 454.5 Infiniti Q70 476 492 -3.3 476 492 -3.3 Infiniti QX30 1,158 0 0.0 1,158 0 0.0 Infiniti QX50 1,206 994 21.3 1,206 994 21.3 Infiniti QX60 2,189 2,372 -7.7 2,189 2,372 -7.7 Infiniti QX70 842 436 93.1 842 436 93.1 Infiniti QX80 1,749 1,164 50.3 1,749 1,164 50.3 Total Car 4,414 3,548 24.4 4,414 3,548 24.4 Total Truck 7,144 4,966 43.9 7,144 4,966 43.9 NISSAN GROUP JANUARY JANUARY Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg TOTAL VEHICLE 112,319 105,734 6.2 112,319 105,734 6.2 Total Car 51,862 56,961 -9.0 51,862 56,961 -9.0 Total Truck 60,457 48,773 24.0 60,457 48,773 24.0 Selling days 24 24 24 24

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has been the home to where some of the maddest Holden V8 sedans and utes announced their swan song to the Zeta-based Commodore with the introduction of their 2017 lineup which includes one being powered by the ZR1's LS9 supercharged V8. Before we get to that, let us begin with the 'entry-level' HSV models. Dubbed the '30 Years' range (30 years of being in operation), the eight models will see noticeable improvements in terms of performance and a number of goodies from the HSV GTS. Most models will see a slight boost in power of 13 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque for the 6.2L Supercharged LSA V8 to produce a respectable 550 horsepower and 510 pound-feet. The GTS keeps its 577 horsepower and 546 pound-feet. All models will get torque-vectoring and a reworked bi-modal exhaust system to provide more noise. The GTS' optional AP Racing brake package becomes available on all of the '30 Years' models. Next up is the return of the GTSR. Last used on VL Commodore from 1996, the GTSR takes the 6.2L Supercharged LSA V8 found in the GTS and gets slightly massaged to boost power to 583 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. Six-piston AP Racing brake calipers pair up with cross-drilled two-piece floating rotors. Exterior changes include a new front bumper, wider front fenders, new diffuser, and rear wing. The GTSR will be available in the sedan or ute. It should be noted the GTSR sedan will be the only way to get Magnetic Ride Control. You have waited long enough for us to get the the ZR1 powered model. Meet the HSV GTSR W1. Under the hood lies the 6.2L supercharged LS9 with 635 horsepower and 601 pound-feet of torque. This will come paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. HSV called in Australian-suspension specialist SupaShock to set up a special fixed-rated suspension for the W1. This is said to mimic the Commodore race car in the V8 Supercars series. Before you panic, HSV says the suspension has been tuned in such a way to be somewhat refined for daily driving. A set of wide and sticky Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires feature a set of forged alloy wheels. HSV plans only building 300 W1 models. Prices for the 2017 HSV range begin at $79,990 AUD (about $60,681.23) for the Maloo R8 LSA and climbs to $169,990 AUD (about $128,956.15) for the GTSR W1. Source: CarAdvice, Wheels View full article

Toyota has announced that October 3, 2017 will be the date it will cease Australian production at their plant in Altona - a suburb of Melbourne. The date is 17 days before Holden shutters its production line in Elizabeth. In a statement, Toyota is planning to keep the AM and PM shifts at the plant until the plant closes. This is to ensure the company meets their goal of 61,000 vehicles for the year - 26,600 domestic and 34,400 exports. "Our priority over the remaining months is to continue to support our employees in every way possible so that they are well prepared for the future," said Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner in a statement. "We remain extremely proud of our rich manufacturing history which spans over 50 years. Our employees are committed to producing vehicles of the highest quality as we work towards our goal of 'last car = best global car'." Toyota will begin phasing out production of various models beginning in August with the Aurion. This will be followed by the Camry Hybrid in September, and the standard Camry on October 3rd. Once the Altona plant is closed, Toyota will begin importing the 2018 Camry from Japan. Source: CarAdvice, Toyota Press Release is on Page 2 31 January 2017 TOYOTA AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES CLOSURE DATE Toyota Australia has today announced that Tuesday 3 October 2017 will be its final day of vehicle production at its Altona manufacturing plant. As part of the shutdown process, the plant will stop building Aurion vehicles in August, Camry Hybrid vehicles in September and Camry Petrol vehicles in October. The company will continue operating both AM and PM shifts until the final closure date. This will ensure the total volume production of 61,000 vehicles for the year, made up of 26,600 domestic and 34,400 exports, is met. Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner reinforced the company's commitment to supporting employees throughout the transition period and beyond. "Our priority over the remaining months is to continue to support our employees in every way possible so that they are well prepared for the future," Mr Buttner said. "We remain extremely proud of our rich manufacturing history which spans over 50 years. Our employees are committed to producing vehicles of the highest quality as we work towards our goal of 'last car = best global car'." As part of Toyota Australia's transition to a national sales and distribution company, the consolidation of all corporate functions from Sydney to Melbourne will take effect by 1 January 2018. As a result of this consolidation and closure of manufacturing, the number of employees will reduce from 3,900 people to approximately 1,300. The head office will continue to be based in Port Melbourne and most of the Altona manufacturing site will be retained for new and relocated functions. View full article

Toyota has announced that October 3, 2017 will be the date it will cease Australian production at their plant in Altona - a suburb of Melbourne. The date is 17 days before Holden shutters its production line in Elizabeth. In a statement, Toyota is planning to keep the AM and PM shifts at the plant until the plant closes. This is to ensure the company meets their goal of 61,000 vehicles for the year - 26,600 domestic and 34,400 exports. "Our priority over the remaining months is to continue to support our employees in every way possible so that they are well prepared for the future," said Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner in a statement. "We remain extremely proud of our rich manufacturing history which spans over 50 years. Our employees are committed to producing vehicles of the highest quality as we work towards our goal of 'last car = best global car'." Toyota will begin phasing out production of various models beginning in August with the Aurion. This will be followed by the Camry Hybrid in September, and the standard Camry on October 3rd. Once the Altona plant is closed, Toyota will begin importing the 2018 Camry from Japan. Source: CarAdvice, Toyota Press Release is on Page 2 31 January 2017 TOYOTA AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES CLOSURE DATE Toyota Australia has today announced that Tuesday 3 October 2017 will be its final day of vehicle production at its Altona manufacturing plant. As part of the shutdown process, the plant will stop building Aurion vehicles in August, Camry Hybrid vehicles in September and Camry Petrol vehicles in October. The company will continue operating both AM and PM shifts until the final closure date. This will ensure the total volume production of 61,000 vehicles for the year, made up of 26,600 domestic and 34,400 exports, is met. Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner reinforced the company's commitment to supporting employees throughout the transition period and beyond. "Our priority over the remaining months is to continue to support our employees in every way possible so that they are well prepared for the future," Mr Buttner said. "We remain extremely proud of our rich manufacturing history which spans over 50 years. Our employees are committed to producing vehicles of the highest quality as we work towards our goal of 'last car = best global car'." As part of Toyota Australia's transition to a national sales and distribution company, the consolidation of all corporate functions from Sydney to Melbourne will take effect by 1 January 2018. As a result of this consolidation and closure of manufacturing, the number of employees will reduce from 3,900 people to approximately 1,300. The head office will continue to be based in Port Melbourne and most of the Altona manufacturing site will be retained for new and relocated functions. View full article

Audi is planning to have 60 individual models on sale by 2020. Yes, you read that correctly. How on earth do they plan on doing this? If a report from Auto Express is anything to go on, they plan on doing this by filling in various niches. The next-generation A3 due sometime in 2019 will be offered in the sportback (hatchback), sedan, convertible, and a new a four-door coupe. The last model in this group will play a big role in moving the model up a segment (executive car or what we call the luxury compact sedan) without increasing the price. Design is said to be similar to the 2014 TT Sportback concept with a sleek roofline, new bumpers, and slim taillights. Other items on the table include the second-generation of Audi Virtual Cockpit, some self-driving tech, and electric-only version joining the e-tron plug-in hybrid. Source: Auto Express View full article

There is one vehicle that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has to get right the first time - the minivan. The company is credited for creating this vehicle segment back in the eighties with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Each subsequent version brought forth some new improvement or feature that put it ahead of the pack. But due to the bankruptcy in 2009 and subsequent merger with Fiat, plans for the next-generation Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan were pushed back. This left the old model struggling against some fresh competition in the form of the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. But last year, Chrysler surprised everyone with a new minivan. Wearing the Pacifica nameplate, the van was unlike anything that had come before. It featured a sleek design, handsome interior, and the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The bigger surprise was that Chrysler would be the only brand getting the new van. The Dodge Caravan would continue in its current incarnation for a few years to provide a low-cost option for those shoppers. Has Chrysler pulled a rabbit out its hat or has the unthinkable happened and the Pacifica trails the competition? The first thing to take in about the new Pacifica is how good-looking it is. The design comes courtesy of the 700C that debuted quietly a few years back at the Detroit Auto Show. The rounded front end is reminiscent of the recently departed 200 with a narrow grille and headlights, chrome trim along the edges of the grilles, and a sculpted hood. The side profile shows off two character lines; one running from the front fender to the chrome trim for the windows and another running through the door handles and curving into the rear fender. We would only make one slight change to the Pacifica. Our Touring L tester featured 17-inch wheels that looked a bit small for a vehicle this size. We would go for the larger 18-inch wheels that fill in the wheel wells much better. Anyone who has been in the last-generation Chrysler Town and Country or Dodge Caravan knows the interior was well past its sell-by date. When pitted against competitors, the two vans came up very short in terms of design, materials, space for cargo and passengers; and infotainment. Step inside the Pacifica and it is clear that Chrysler has done its homework. The design is much more modern with flowing lines and contrasting colors. It also feels more spacious than the outgoing vans thanks to some smart decisions such as the removal of the center console to allow for an open floor between driver and passenger, and the use of a knob for the transmission. Material quality has also seen a noticeable improvement with many surfaces now boasting soft-touch plastics. It wouldn’t be crazy to say the Chrysler Pacifica is ahead of everyone when it comes to the interior. Depending on the trim, you can order the Pacifica with seating for seven or eight people. Our Touring L featured the eight-seat layout with a removable middle seat for the third row. It will take you a few moments to figure out how to remove the seat, but once you do, it is quite easy to remove and install the seat. The rest of the seats feature Chrysler’s Stow ’n Go folding system where the seats can fold into compartments in the floor to provide a flat load area. Cargo area is in line with the current crop of minivans with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. As for passengers, both rows of rear seats provide an excellent amount of head and legroom. Getting into the third row is much easier thanks to second-row seats offering a tilt function. FCA has equipped the Pacifica with the newest version of their UConnect system. The interface may look similar to the older UConnect system, but there are a number of changes that help catapult this new version towards the top of the infotainment system list. First, the new system is much sharper thanks to the new fonts and an updated screen that provides improved brightness levels. FCA has also improved the overall performance of the system, meaning no slow downs when going between various functions. One item we cannot comment on is navigation as our test Pacifica didn’t come with it. Power for the Pacifica comes from the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the front-wheels only. It might not be the fastest van on the road (that honor falls to the Toyota Sienna), but Pacifica comes very close. Power comes on a smooth and steady rate. You’ll find yourself not wanting more power when merging onto a freeway or trying to make a pass. FCA has seemed to get its act together with the nine-speed automatic transmission. Issues with clunky shifts and gear hunting have been mostly ironed out. The transmission now features smooth and quick upshifts. The only item we would want FCA to work on is the transmission’s hesitation to downshift in certain situations such as making a pass. EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is rated at 18 City/28 Highway/22 Combined. Our week mostly spent in the city returned 23.2 mpg. The primary concern when it comes to a van’s ride and handling characteristics is providing maximum comfort and the Pacifica delivers. The suspension delivers a smooth ride even on some of the rough roads on offer from Metro Detroit area. An added bonus is how well the Pacifica isolates road and wind noise from coming inside. At highway speeds, only a whisper of wind noise makes it inside. But the Pacifica becomes a bit of a surprise when it comes to handling. Despite its large size, FCA’s engineers made the Pacifica feel quite nimble. The steering might not give that impression as it feels somewhat light when turning. But go around a corner and the van feels more like a midsize sedan than a van. It has been a long time coming for a new minivan from FCA and the good news is that they haven’t dropped the ball. The Pacifica may not have ripped up the rulebook when it comes to minivans, but it sure has expanded or rewritten bits of it. From a surprising balance of ride and handling characteristics to the best interior in the class, it is clear that FCA wants to reclaim the crown of the best minivan. But there one thing that we need to address and that is FCA’s poor reliability history. No matter which survey or study look at, more often than not, FCA’s core brands are towards the bottom. What does this mean for the Pacifica? We can’t say for right now, but this could be the one thing that makes or breaks Chrysler’s new van. For right now, the Pacifica is at the top of the class. Disclaimer: Chrysler Provided the Pacifica, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Chrysler Model: Pacifica Trim: Touring L Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6 Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 287 @ 6,400 Torque @ RPM: 262 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/28/22 Curb Weight: 4,330 lbs Location of Manufacture: Windsor, Ontario Base Price: $34,495 As Tested Price: $36,880 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Premium Audio Group - $895.00 8 Passenger Seating - $495.00 View full article

Since President Donald Trump was elected, automakers have been pushing for him to relax the stricter fuel economy and emission regulations coming into effect by 2025. Now there is another group calling for this. At the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual conference, dealers voiced support for the new president ease the upcoming regulations. "You inflate the price of the vehicle and a car that was maybe within reach of being affordable now may not be," said NADA's new chairman, Mark Scarpelli to Reuters. Scarpelli argues that the tech needed to improve fuel economy adds $1,500 to $3,000 to the price of a vehicle. He also says that a "different phase-in period" for the regulations would be welcomed. The big argument dealers are using is the regulations would cause automakers to build vehicles that buyers aren't interested in. "They've got to make regulation more in line with consumer demand so (the automakers) can build what people want and not what the government’s telling them they have to build," said Pete DeLongchamps, vice president of Group 1 Automotive Inc. Source: Reuters View full article