William Maley

Apple has formally shown its CarPlay integration system before the start the Geneva Motor Show today. The system, formally known as 'iOS in the Car' allows owners of a iPhone 5s, 5c, or 5 to control certain aspects of the phone through the car's infotainment system. According to Apple, owners will be able to plug in their iPhones to their vehicles via the USB port and control a number of functions such as making and answering phone calls, text messaging, navigation via Apple Maps, and playing music from your phone. CarPlay also allows certain third-party apps such as Spotify and iHeartRadio to be controlled as well. Now if your vehicle doesn't include a touchscreen, CarPlay utilizes voice controls. "CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car. iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction. We have an amazing lineup of auto partners rolling out CarPlay, and we're thrilled it will make its debut this week in Geneva," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo will announce their implementations of CarPlay this week at the Geneva Motor Show. Other automakers such as BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota will announce their implementations down the road. Source: Apple William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Apple Rolls Out CarPlay Giving Drivers a Smarter, Safer & More Fun Way to Use iPhone in the Car CarPlay Premieres with Leading Auto Manufacturers at the Geneva International Motor Show GENEVA ― March 3, 2014 ― Apple® today announced that leading auto manufacturers are rolling out CarPlay, the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone® in the car. CarPlay gives iPhone users an incredibly intuitive way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch. Users can easily control CarPlay from the car's native interface or just push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri® without distraction. Vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will premiere CarPlay to their drivers this week, while additional auto manufacturers bringing CarPlay to their drivers down the road include BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp. "CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing. "iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction. We have an amazing lineup of auto partners rolling out CarPlay, and we're thrilled it will make its debut this week in Geneva." Apple has led consumer technology integration in the car for more than a decade. CarPlay brings your car and iPhone together for a thoughtful experience that lets drivers focus on driving, while also tapping into everything they want to do with their iPhone. Once iPhone is connected to a vehicle with CarPlay integration, Siri helps you easily access your contacts, make calls, return missed calls or listen to voicemails. When incoming messages or notifications arrive, Siri provides an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands, by reading drivers' messages and letting them dictate responses or simply make a call. CarPlay makes driving directions more intuitive by working with Maps to anticipate destinations based on recent trips via contacts, emails or texts, and provides routing instructions, traffic conditions and ETA. You can also simply ask Siri and receive spoken turn-by-turn directions, along with Maps, which will appear on your car's built-in display. CarPlay gives drivers access to all of their music, podcasts, audiobooks and iTunes Radio℠ with easy navigation through listening choices from the car's built-in controls or simply by asking Siri to pull up what you'd like to hear. CarPlay also supports select third-party audio apps including Spotify and iHeartRadio, so you can listen to your favorite radio services or sports broadcast apps while driving. Pricing & Availability Apple CarPlay is available as an update to iOS 7 and works with Lightning-enabled iPhones, including iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5. CarPlay will be available in select cars shipping in 2014. Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad. 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JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR FEBRUARY 2014 Jaguar Land Rover North America increases 10 percent in February, for its best February sales month result since 2005 Land Rover brand has its best February sales ever Range Rover Sport and Range Rover have best February sales ever Jaguar continues growth streak with 35 percent growth in February on XF sales, up 52 percent Jaguar launches F-TYPE Coupe with British Villains campaign, debuted on broadcast of Super Bowl XLVIII (MAHWAH, NJ) – March 3, 2014 – Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported February 2014 U.S. sales: Jaguar sales were 1,552 units, 35 percent up from 1,148 units in February 2013; Land Rover sales reached an all-time February high of 4,006 units, up 3 percent from 3,905 units in February 2013. Jaguar Land Rover North America February U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,558 units, a 10 percent increase from 5,053 units in February 2013 and the company’s best February result since 2005. "Jaguar Land Rover had a strong February despite difficult weather conditions,” said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “We are especially pleased in the continued strength of each brand’s volume leaders, the Jaguar XF sedan and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.” For the complete year 2013, Land Rover sales achieved an all-time high of 50,010 up 15 percent from 2012; Jaguar sales for the year were 16,952 up 41 percent from 2012; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the year were 66,962; up 20 percent from 2012. U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover The all new Range Rover Sport hit a record February high of 1,464 units, up 16 percent from 1,261 in February, 2013. The new Range Rover Sport has received multiple awards for its breadth of capability including Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road ‘4x4 of the year’ andRoad & Track’s ‘Best Cars’ list in the SUV category. Range Rover also set an all-time February high with sales 869 units, up 5 percent from 825 in February, 2013. The Range Rover was awarded the 2014 Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the Luxury Full Size SUV category in February. Jaguar For the month of February, the Jaguar XF was the Jaguar volume and growth leader with 896 units sold (the highest ever February for XF), up 52 percent from 588 sales in February 2013. The current MY XF lineup includes the new 2.0T model as well as all-wheel-drive and V-6 options. The F-TYPE convertible sports car added 322 units this month. The F-TYPE Coupe was introduced at the Los Angeles International Automobile Show in February and goes on sale in spring, 2014. The F-TYPE Coupe launch campaign, British Villains, kicked off with Jaguar’s first advertisement in the broadcast of the Super Bowl. The 60 second spot, “Rendezvous,” has become Jaguar USA’s most popular YouTube video ever with 11.5 Million views.

Retail Customers Propel Toyota's February 2014 Sales Lexus up about 9 percent; All-new Highlander and RAV4 post double-digit gains for best-ever February TORRANCE, Calif. (March 3, 2014) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported February 2014 sales results of 159,284 units, a decrease of 4.3 percent from February 2013 on both a daily selling rate (DSR) and raw-volume basis. Toyota division posted February 2014 sales of 140,429 units, down 5.8 percent year-over-year on both a DSR and raw-volume basis. “February auto sales emerged from a chill in the second half of the month, poising the industry for a strong March,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Boosted by consumer interest and strong truck sales, Toyota led retail sales this month.” Lexus reported February sales of 18,855 units, an 8.7 percent increase on both a DSR and raw-volume basis. "The luxury segment is off to a good start this year, showing across the board gains," said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The new IS continues to be one of the hottest cars in any segment, with sales more than doubling for the fourth straight month." Other Highlights: Toyota division is no. 1 retail brand Camry posted sales of 29,000 units All-new Corolla records sales of more than 25,000 units Toyota division trucks up 3.5 percent All-new RAV4 up more than 23 percent; best-ever February All-new Highlander up nearly 30 percent; best-ever February 4Runner up 17 percent All-new Tundra up more than 8 percent Lexus cars up more than 19 percent All-new Lexus IS posts triple-digit gains Lexus GS up more than 42 percent Lexus RX posts sales of more than 5,600 units Lexus GX posts triple digit gains

03/03/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif. Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey continue sales momentum Acura light trucks rise 29.8 percent to set fifth consecutive monthly sales record American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported February 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 100,405 units. Acura light trucks bucked the February trend, gaining 29.8 percent for the month on sales of 7,482 units. The Honda Division recorded sales of 88,860. Honda Even as the mainstream U.S. auto market slowed from a year ago, 2013 best-sellers Accord, Civic and CR-V earned sales of more than 20,000 units each in February, while Odyssey continued to pull in positive numbers. Odyssey sales were up 4.6 percent with 8,945 units sold in February CR-V rose 0.4 percent on sales of 20,759 units "With the overall market catching its breath we're pleased that core models like Accord, Civic and CR-V each continue to gain more than 20,000 new customers each month," said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales at American Honda. "It just shows once again that when quality and value are baked into the product, consumers will beat a path to your door." Acura Acura light truck sales topped even last year's torrid pace with a fifth straight monthly record, rising 29.8 percent. Acura Division sales bucked market trends with an increase of 1.6 percent overall on sales of 11,545 units MDX sales continue to soar with a 54.9 percent increase on sales of 4,563 units last month RDX posted its 22nd consecutive monthly sales record with sales up 4.2 percent with 2,911 units sold "Offering the comfort, connectivity and performance every luxury customer wants at a price no other luxury brand can match is clearly a winning formula for Acura light trucks," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. "With Acura trucks setting records month after month, we are creating great momentum for the introductions this year of the RLX Sport Hybrid and all-new TLX luxury performance sedan."

Mar 3, 2014 , HERNDON, Va. Audi sets new February sales record in 2014 All-time best February marks 38th consecutive month of record sales for the brand Audi Certified pre-owned sales set 7th straight monthly record February was a strong month for Audi A6, Q7, and R8 sales Audi reported February 2014 sales of 10,881 vehicles, which stands as the brand’s 38th consecutive month of record monthly sales. “Audi sales continued to remain strong with C and D segment vehicles – A6, A7, A8, Q7 – throughout the month of February, which shows the progress of the Audi brand and our retail partners are making in the U.S.,” said Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. February results were bolstered by sales of Audi luxury SUVs, with the Audi Q7 luxury crossover posting a 33.6% gain in February on 1,229 units delivered for the month and year-to-date sales increased 38% to a total of 2,497 vehicles. Luxury sedan sales remain strong as the Audi A6 increased 27.2% to 1,743 vehicles sold for the month, while YTD sales increased 22.6% to 3,224 vehicles sold. Audi has experienced increasing demand for the updated 2014 Audi R8 models, including the Audi R8 V8, Audi R8 V10 and Audi R8 V10 plus. Audi R8 January sales rose 40% MTD and 52.5% YTD. February 2014 was the 7th consecutive record month for Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles sales with an increase of 17.3% for the month, to a total of 3,267 vehicles. Highlights: Sales mix for Audi S performance variants finished the month at 14.7% for the S4 sedan; 33.1% for the S5/ RS 5; 5.2% for the S6; 25.8% for the S7 / RS 7; 14.2% for the S8; 33.9% for the TTS / TT RS and TTS Roadster, and 7.9% for the SQ5 crossover. Sales of A6 increased to 27.2% compared to February 2013; YTD sales grew 22.6% compared to previous period. Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 33.6% compared to February 2013; YTD sales grew 38% compared to previous period. Audi R8 sales up 40% compared to February 2013; YTD sales grew 52.5% compared to previous period. Sales mix for Audi A6 TDI finished the month at 11.6% to 202 vehicles sold, for the Audi A7 TDI at 8.8% to 55 vehicles, for the A8 TDI to 16.4% to 59 vehicles, the Audi Q5 TDI at 16% to 422 vehicles, and for the Audi Q7 TDI at 25.2% to 310 vehicles; with an overall increase of 14.6% to 1,048 total TDI sales for February. Audi Certified pre-owned sales increased 17.3% to 3,267 vehicles in February. Audi holds the longest running monthly record sales streak in the premium car market according to a completive sales report from MotorIntelligence.com.

IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported February sales of 41,218 vehicles, led by the U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan and the totally transformed Soul, with 11,226 and 10,584 units sold, respectively. February also saw the continuation of the marketing campaign to introduce the all-new 2015 K900 flagship sedan as well as the largest showcase of the company's Clean Mobility program at the Chicago Auto Show with the global debut of the brand's first-ever electric vehicle for the U.S. market – the Soul EV2 – and the refreshed 2014 Optima Hybrid. The K900 is scheduled to arrive in select dealer showrooms beginning this month. Optima Hybrid is on sale now, and the Soul EV will arrive in the fall.

BMW Group U.S. Reports February 2014 Sales BMW brand sales up 3.3 percent MINI brand sales down 42.8 percent Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 3, 2014… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 24,476 vehicles, a decrease of 4.4 percent from the 25,613 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is down 1.2 percent on sales of 45,272 in the first two months of 2014 compared to 45,808 in the same period in 2013. “The ferocious February winter in much of the country no doubt increased the desire for BMW SAV’s, but in keeping others away from the showrooms it is also building up future demand,” said BMW of North America President and CEO, Ludwig Willisch. “The expanding range of BMW models, as seen during the Sochi Olympics, especially the new 4 Series Convertible and Gran Coupe, the new 2 Series, and the soon to arrive all-electric BMW i3, are among the good reasons to look forward to Spring.” BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.3 percent in February for a total of 22,017 compared to 21,311 vehicles sold in February, 2013. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 6.5 percent on sales of 40,270 compared to 37,824 sold in the first two months of 2013. In February, best performing vehicles included the BMW X1, up 57.2 percent to 2,329 vehicles, and the BMW X3, up 51.8 percent to 3,301 vehicles. MINI Brand Sales For February, MINI USA reports 2,459 automobiles, a decrease of 42.8 percent from the 4,302 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are down 37.3 percent on volume of 5,002 compared to 7,984 in the first two months of 2013. MINI USA is currently in transition from the current hardtop to the new model arriving in the second quarter.

Mitsubishi Motors Reports February Sales CYPRESS, Calif., March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported February sales of 5,977. The U.S.-built Outlander Sport led the way with an increase of 42.8 percent for the month compared to February 2013 sales. The all-new Mitsubishi Mirage had 1,116 units sold in the vehicle's fourth full month of sales, exceeding a thousand units for the third month in a row. "We're very pleased at the efforts of our sales team and our dealer partners in February, despite the challenging weather conditions we have had across the United States," said MMNA EVP of Sales, Don Swearingen. "We're anticipating a big month of March with some extremely attractive incentives for our customers and our highest TV advertising exposure thus far this year." Highlights of February sales include: Aggregate sales of MMNA's core models (Outlander Sport, Outlander, Lancer, and Mirage) were up 8.9 percent in February, and are up 12.7 percent year-to-date. Outlander Sport sales were 2,348 units, an increase of 42.8 percent. It was the fourth-largest monthly total in history and the best-ever February sales of the model (launched in 2010). Outlander Sport sales are up 39.9 percent year-to-date. Outlander sales are up 5.5 percent year-to-date. MMNA sales are up 1.3 percent year-to-date. The small decrease in February (1.2 percent) broke a string of four consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REPORTS FEBRUARY SALES Weather wreaks havoc on sales nationwide FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 3, 2014 – Hyundai Motor America announced February sales of 49,003, down six percent from a year ago while up 11 percent over January. “I don’t like to make excuses, but the awful weather we saw across the country really hurt traffic to our dealerships and ultimately kept our sales at a pace well below what we were expecting,” said Bob Pradzinski, vice president of sales. “They say ‘If you want to see the sunshine you have to weather the storm,’ so we’re all looking forward to some sunshine in March.” Despite a tough month, Hyundai saw sales of its two smallest cars, Accent and Veloster, up 20 percent and two CUVs, Santa Fe and Tucson, up 12 percent.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Best-Ever February At 22,609 Double-digit gains across Sprinter and smart model lines Highest month ever in CPO MONTVALE, N.J., March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 24,971 across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 3.8% increase over the 24,051 vehicles sold in February 2013, making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz brand alone achieved record February retails of 22,609, increasing 2.6% from the same time last year, while year-to-date sales rose 1.5% to 45,213 units. Adding year-to-date sales of 2,709 for Sprinter Vans and 1,462 units at smart, MBUSA achieved a year-to-date total of 49,384. "Our consistent sales momentum points to the strong foundation of our business priorities," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "The depth and breadth of our product is unmatched, our dealers are more engaged than ever, and our absolute dedication to the customer experience has given us the No. 1 spot in luxury market loyalty for eight years running." February sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class, which enters a new generation for the 2015 model year arriving this fall, came in first at 5,621 units, followed by the E-Class with sales of 4,271. The brand's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three at 3,258, up 19.2% over the comparable period in 2013. At the high end, sales of the all-new 2014 S-Class flagship jumped 93.8% to 1,789. Both the Sprinter and smart model lines delivered double-digit gains in February. The redesigned Sprinter lineup posted an increase of 15.7% at 1,421 units, while monthly sales at smart totaled 941, up 20.2%. Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models recorded sales of 1,314 for the month, up 5.0%, and 2,388 year-to-date, increasing 3.6% from the 2,305 units sold in February 2013. The company's high-performance AMG models finished the month up 96.2% at 975 with year-to-date volumes increasing 83.6% to 1,821. Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded the highest sales month in its history with 9,988 vehicles in February, an increase of 32.4% compared to the 7,541 units sold in February 2013. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 18,293 vehicles, climbing 16.5% from the 15,700 vehicles sold during the same period last year.

MAZDA SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY SETS RECORDS IN FEBRUARY Mazda Celebrates Grand Opening of All-New Production Facility in Salamanca, Mexico IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported February U.S. sales of 24,431 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are down 6.7 percent versus last year, with 43,155 vehicles sold. Key February sales notes: Mazda's SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY accounted for 83.2 percent of all vehicle sales during the month of February. This is the largest percentage of Mazdas equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY sold in one month, and second-best month of total volume ever with 20,245 vehicles sold. Mazda6 experienced its second-best February since 2008 with 3,945 vehicles sold, representing an increase of 46.0 percent, year-over-year (YOY). February 2014 was CX-5's best month ever with 9,353 vehicles sold, good for an increase of 71.6 percent, YOY. February was one of the most historic months for Mazda as it celebrated the grand opening of its all-new engine and vehicle assembly plant in Salamanca, Mexico. With a total capacity of 230,000 units, once in full production by March of 2016, Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operations (MMVO) will employ approximately 4,500 people and produce Mazda2, Mazda3 and a Toyota B-car to be announced at a later date. Production from this facility will be distributed to North, Central and South America and parts of Europe.

March 3, 2014 SUBARU SETS FEBRUARY SALES RECORD Brand up 24% February 2014 v February 2013 Forester up 95% XV Crosstrek, including new Hybrid model, sets February record - up 68% Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. has announced continuing record sales with February sales of 34,909 vehicles, a 24% increase over February 2013. Increased availability of the strong selling Forester and Crosstrek models helped sales as both models continued their strong performances. Subaru expects this sales momentum to continue throughout the year, with the debut of the all-new 2015 Legacy mid-size sedan which is due to launch later in 2014. The continued growth in Subaru sales is the result of strong retention and attracting new buyers - 60% of Subaru buyers are new to the brand. Thomas J. Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America said; “Our sales momentum continues and we are launching new models at record pace. We have a lot to look forward to in 2014.” H. William Cyphers, senior vice president of sales said; "With an-all new line-up due by mid year, we can expect our strong sales performance to continue for the remainder of the year and put us in great position to achieve our target of 460,000”.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS FEBRUARY 2014 SALES February sales total 27,112 units Jetta Sedan delivered 10,597 units for the month Passat delivered 6,997 units for the month Tiguan delivered 2,019 units for the month High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 16.8 percent of sales in February Passat TDI sales were 1,696, representing 24.2 percent of sales of the vehicle Herndon, VA (March 3, 2014) — Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 27,112 units delivered in February. “February was an expectedly modest month with the wind down of outgoing models and the fewest number of selling days,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “Nonetheless, we are pleased to see our core vehicles and TDI Clean Diesels continue to show strength in the market. With a full range of fuel-efficient vehicles, seven of which deliver more than 40 mpg on the highway, we anticipate steady demand as we enter the spring selling season.“ Total Jetta deliveries (including SportWagen) for February accounted for 11,908 units. The Jetta recently received a number of changes for the 2014 model year, including the adoption of a new, 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection EA888 engine. Equipped with the available new, direct-injected, turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Jetta 1.8T achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 36 mpg on the highway, an improvement of five mpg compared with the previous 2.5-liter engine. The Chattanooga-built Passat deliveries totaled 6,997 units delivered for the month. In February the Passat TDI, the only clean diesel in the midsize sedan segment, delivered 1,696 clean diesels. The 2014 model also received Volkswagen’s new 1.8-liter TSI engine, which offers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The manual transmission model achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg over the outgoing 2.5-liter engine’s highway figure.

Nissan Group Reports February 2014 U.S. Sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group announced today total U.S. sales for February 2014 of 115,360 units, an increase of 15.8 percent compared to last year. Nissan Division highlights: Nissan set a February record with 105,631 deliveries, an increase of 16.7 percent over the prior year. This marks a monthly record for Nissan division in 11 of the last 12 months. Rogue crossover sales also set a February record up 72.6 percent with 17,197 deliveries in the month. February marked the third full month of sales for the all-new 2014 Rogue, which is now being built at Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. assembly plant. Sales of the all-electric Nissan LEAF set a February record, increasing 118.2 percent to 1,425. Nissan Altima sales totaled 30,849 units in February, an increase of 11.3 percent. Sales of the Nissan Frontier pickup rose 111.7 percent to 5,791 units. Nissan Juke sales set an any-month record at 5,197, up 83.7 percent. Sentra sales were up 22.7 percent to 12,339 vehicles.

Porsche Reports Record February Sales Atlanta. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor in the United States of Porsche Boxster, Cayman and 911 sports cars, Panamera four-door sports sedans, and Cayenne SUVs, today announced February 2014 sales of 3,232 vehicles, an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period last year and making it the best February on record for Porsche in the U.S. Year-to-date sales total 6,328 units, three percent more than in the first two months of 2013. While the Cayenne model line continues to set the pace with 1,260 cars sold, the mid-engine sports cars and the Panamera range contributed significantly to the record month with sales increases of, respectively, 63 percent and 24 percent compared to February 2013. Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 844 for February 2014.

Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 24% (34,909 Vehicles Sold This Month; 63,641 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Nissan North America - Up 15.8% (115,360 Vehicles Sold This Month; 205,830 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 15.2% (3,232 Vehicles Sold This Month; 6,328 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chrysler Group LLC - Up 11% (154,866 Vehicles Sold This Month; 282,049 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 10% (5,558 Vehicles Sold This Month; 11,579 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 3.8% (24,971 Vehicles Sold This Month; 49,384 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Audi of America - Up 0.1% (24,971 Vehicles Sold This Month; 49,384 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Kia Motors America - Down 0.7% (41,218 Vehicles Sold This Month; 78,299 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) General Motors Co. - Down 1% (222,104 Vehicles Sold This Month; 393,590 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 1.2% (5,977 Vehicles Sold This Month; 10,844 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Down 2.4% (24,341 Vehicles Sold This Month; 43,155 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Toyota Motor Sales - Down 4.3% (159,284 Vehicles Sold This Month; 305,649 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Down 4.4% (24,476 Vehicles Sold This Month; 45,272 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ford Motor Company - Down 6.1% (183,947 Vehicles Sold This Month; 338,591 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Down 6.3% (49,003 Vehicles Sold This Month; 93,008 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Down 7% (100,405 Vehicles Sold This Month; 192,036 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volkswagen of America - Down 13.8% (27,112 Vehicles Sold This Month; 50,606 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Down 18% (3,991 Vehicles Sold This Month; 7,783 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Brands: Jeep - Up 47% (45,946 Vehicles Sold This Month; 87,856 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lincoln - Up 36.4% (6,661 Vehicles Sold This Month; 12,634 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Jaguar - Up 35.2% (1,552 Vehicles Sold This Month; 2,899 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ram - Up 28% (30,481 Vehicles Sold This Month; 56,514 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Subaru - Up 24% (34,909 Vehicles Sold This Month; 63,641 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Smart - Up 20.2% (34,909 Vehicles Sold This Month; 1,462 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Buick - Up 18.8% (19,192 Vehicles Sold This Month; 32,470 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Nissan - Up 16.7% (105,631 Vehicles Sold This Month; 187,103 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Sprinter - Up 15.7% (1,421 Vehicles Sold This Month; 2,709 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Porsche - Up 15.2% (3,232 Vehicles Sold This Month; 6,328 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Lexus - Up 8.7% (18,855 Vehicles Sold This Month; 36,492 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Infiniti - Up 6.4% (9,729 Vehicles Sold This Month; 18,727 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Fiat - Up 5% (3,465 Vehicles Sold This Month; 6,687 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) BMW - Up 3.3% (22,017 Vehicles Sold This Month; 40,270 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Land Rover - Up 2.6% (4,006 Vehicles Sold This Month; 8,680 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 2.6% (22,609 Vehicles Sold This Month; 45,213 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Acura - Up 1.6% (11,545 Vehicles Sold This Month; 22,368 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chrysler - Up 1% (25,230 Vehicles Sold This Month; 46,343 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Audi - Up 0.1% (24,971 Vehicles Sold This Month; 49,384 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) GMC - Down 0.6% (35,562 Vehicles Sold This Month; 63,295 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Kia - Down 0.7% (41,218 Vehicles Sold This Month; 78,299 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mitsubishi - Down 1.2% (5,977 Vehicles Sold This Month; 10,844 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Mazda - Down 2.4% (24,341 Vehicles Sold This Month; 43,155 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Cadillac - Down 2.9% (13,437 Vehicles Sold This Month; 24,823 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Chevrolet - Down 2.9% (153,913 Vehicles Sold This Month; 273,002 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Toyota - Down 5.8% (140,429 Vehicles Sold This Month; 269,157 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Hyundai - Down 6.3% (49,003 Vehicles Sold This Month; 93,008 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Ford - Down 7.2% (177,286 Vehicles Sold This Month; 325,957 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Honda - Down 8% (88,860 Vehicles Sold This Month; 169,668 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Dodge - Down 11% (49,744 Vehicles Sold This Month; 84,649 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volkswagen - Down 13.8% (27,112 Vehicles Sold This Month; 50,606 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) Volvo - Down 18% (3,991 Vehicles Sold This Month; 7,783 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) MINI - Down 42.8% (2,459 Vehicles Sold This Month; 5,002 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year) 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

GM’s U.S. Dealers Delivered 222,104 Vehicles in February Passenger Cars Sales up 8 percent, paced by Buick and Chevrolet DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers delivered 222,104 vehicles in the United States in February 2014. Total sales were down 1 percent compared with a year ago, beating outside expectations. Retail and fleet sales were both down 1 percent. GM increased its sales from January 2014 by 30 percent, more than 10 percentage points better than the industry as a whole. “Weather continued to impact the industry in February, but GM sales started to thaw during the Winter Olympic Games as our brand and marketing messages took hold,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “Car and crossover sales were particularly strong at Buick and Chevrolet, and we continue to have a strong mix of pickup sales. “Despite a slower start to 2014 than most people expected, we look forward to a very successful year, backed by plenty of new products and what should be the strongest GDP growth since the end of the recession.” February Sales Highlights (vs. 2013) Passenger car sales were up 8 percent, with Buick deliveries up across the board. The Chevrolet Sonic, Cruze and Malibu posted double-digit sales increases. The Chevrolet Cruze and the Buick Verano had their best February sales ever. Deliveries of the Corvette were up 149 percent. The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan helped drive a 7 percent increase in retail sales for the CTS range. Segment share is estimated to be up 1.6 points. Crossover sales were up 4 percent. Sales of the Buick Encore nearly doubled, the Cadillac SRX was up 23 percent and GMC Acadia deliveries were up 2 percent. The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Equinox had their best February sales ever. Retail deliveries of Chevrolet and GMC large SUVs were up 14 percent. GM’s retail share of light-duty pickup sales increased an estimated 2 percentage points or more from January 2014. The mix of light duty pickups powered by GM’s all-new EcoTec3 V6, which offers best-in-class fuel economy, towing and payload (depending on configuration) increased 2 percentage points month over month to about 20 percent of retail sales. The average transaction prices for GM’s full-size pickups were in line with January 2014 levels, according to mid-month J.D. Power PIN estimates. More than half of light-duty pickup sales continue to be premium-contented models. Incentive spending increased slightly month over month on both an absolute basis and as a percentage of average transaction prices due primarily to the sell-down of older model heavy-duty pickups and large SUVs. GM’s increase was less than the industry average, according to J.D. Power PIN. GM increased its commercial fleet sales for the fourth month in a row, with deliveries up more than 1 percent; commercial deliveries are up 8 percent year to date.

FORD F-SERIES HAS BEST FEBRUARY IN EIGHT YEARS; LINCOLN SALES INCREASE 36 PERCENT Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 37 years, posts best February U.S. sales in eight years Continuing its momentum during the past five months, Lincoln sales increase 36 percent on strong MKZ and MKX performance Ford Motor Company February U.S. sales of 183,947 vehicles decline 6 percent compared with last year; retail sales total 125,919 vehicles, down 4 percent DEARBORN, Mich.,March. 3, 2014 – Ford Motor Company U.S. total sales of 183,947 vehicles in February are down 6 percent from a year ago. Retail sales of 125,919 vehicles are off 4 percent. Ford F-Series and Lincoln brand vehicles posted strong gains. “Sales surged in the final week, providing us momentum after a slow start to the month,” said John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “Ford Fusion continued its strong retail sales performance in the West, outpacing the mid-size sedan segment. F-Series and Lincoln also continued to perform well.” F-Series sales totaled 55,882 in February, making the month Ford’s best February for F-Series in eight years. Led by MKZ and MKX, Lincoln sales of 6,661 are up 36 percent in February compared with a year ago. This represents Lincoln’s fifth straight month of positive sales gains, with double-digit gains in four of these five months. Over the last five months, Lincoln sold 34,476 vehicles, representing a 26 percent increase over the same period one year ago. Ford Motor Company fleet sales were off 10 percent in February, as winter weather again delayed a portion of fleet orders. The volumes are anticipated to be made up in March.

Opel and Vauxhall are bringing the heat to the sport compact market with the introduction of the Astra OPC Extreme (or VXR Extreme). The two say this is the fastest Astra ever built and looking at the spec sheet, we have to agree. The Astra OPC/VXR Extreme comes with a 2.0L turbo-four producing 300 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Opel and Vauxhall are keeping performance figures a secret, but expect it to be quicker than the standard Astra OPC/VXR. Compared to the standard Astra OPC/VXR, the Extreme is 220 pounds lighter thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body. More carbon fiber is found on the dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel. The interior also features Recaro bucket seats with six-point harnesses and a rollcage. “With the new Astra OPC EXTREME we show the pure joy of driving! This study is quite simply spectacular and driving enthusiasts will appreciate its looks, which are head-turning without grandstanding. Its interior is superb and typically Opel – exciting, precise and quality-made in Germany. The EXTREME is the new top-of-the-line model in our Astra family with all the attributes of a super sporty car,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann in a statement. Opel says if the public reaction is good, they will put the Extreme into low-volume production. Source: Opel William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Uncompromisingly Sporty: New Opel Astra OPC EXTREME Study for low-volume production run: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show From the racetrack to public roads: Fastest-ever Astra on its way Turbo power and carbon fiber: Over 300 hp, 100 kilograms lighter than OPC Breathtaking looks: High-tech lacquer highlights sculptural Opel design Rüsselsheim. The Opel Astra OPC EXTREME that makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in six days is a real race-bred performance car. Developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the most challenging race track in the world, it is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine with over 300 hp and equipped with all the key high-tech components from its racing peer, the Opel Astra OPC Cup. The Astra OPC EXTREME was developed directly from the Cup version and brings pure racing technology to the road. If public reaction is as positive as expected, Opel plans a low-volume production run for the super sporty, street-legal EXTREME. Over 300 hp will be unleashed from under the EXTREME’s carbon fiber hood. Its 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine, with direct injection and variable camshaft phasing, is quite simply the most powerful four-cylinder unit Opel has ever produced. The all-aluminum engine is mated to a slick, six-speed manual gearbox transmitting power through a limited-slip differential. This race-proven powerplant will have an easy time of it with the OPC EXTREME, because the super sporty car is 100 kilograms lighter than a conventional Astra OPC thanks to its high-quality, carbon fiber components. Widely used in Formula 1 racing to reduce weight, carbon composite is incorporated throughout the EXTREME. This high-strength, ultra-light material is used for the aerodynamically-optimized rear wing, the diffuser, front spoiler, hood, suspension cross-bracing, the engine cover, complete wheels, rear wheelhouse ventilation and roof. The carbon wheels are 20 kilograms lighter than their aluminum counterparts. This is weight saving in a decisive area because unsprung mass is substantially reduced – much to the joy of engineers and driving fun of drivers. The inhouse manufactured carbon fiber roof is almost as light as a feather. It weighs just 2.6 kilograms, compared to a steel roof’s 9.3 kilograms, and noticeably lowers the Astra EXTREME’s center of gravity. The fenders are made of aluminum and weigh only 800 grams a piece instead of 2.2 kilograms in steel. Weight reduction in key areas greatly improves agility, overall handling and, of course, the car’s power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the street-legal EXTREME sweeps through fast curves as playfully and quickly as its racing brother in the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN). Opel has also given the EXTREME breathtaking stopping power to match, with a Brembo six-piston brake system including 370 mm diameter discs up front race car. Ultra high-performance, 245/35, 19-inch tires, specially developed for the EXTREME, also play a key role and give almost as much grip as those on the race car. In addition, the chassis (spring/damper) is adjustable, just like in a real touring car racer. The pursuit of uncompromised performance continues in the design of the EXTREME’S cabin: the back seats are out and a safety roll bar is in. The driver and co-driver are perfectly positioned in specially-designed Recaro bucket seats, complete with six-point safety belts from Schroth. In the Astra OPC EXTREME, the crew doesn’t just sit in the car, they are fully integrated as part of the vehicle itself. The driver also has the tactile pleasure of gripping a superb, carbon-fiber-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching. Opel Motorsport’s core color also dresses up the Astra OPC EXTREME elsewhere, for instance in the exclusively designed logo and as lacquer on the side sills and front spoiler lip. Apropos lacquer, the Astra GTC body format – the base model for the OPC EXTREME – ideally embodies Opel’s sculptural design philosophy. Its flowing, sculpted shapes and precise accents blend into dramatic proportions. The Astra OPC EXTREME’s multi-layer paint lacquer is combined with high-quality decal details to give a three-dimensional effect, further emphasizing the car’s clean edges, bold lines and athletic proportions. “With the new Astra OPC EXTREME we show the pure joy of driving! This study is quite simply spectacular and driving enthusiasts will appreciate its looks, which are head-turning without grandstanding. Its interior is superb and typically Opel – exciting, precise and quality-made in Germany. The EXTREME is the new top-of-the-line model in our Astra family with all the attributes of a super sporty car,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. View full article

Chrysler Group LLC Reports February 2014 U.S. Sales Increased 11 Percent; Best February Sales Since 2007 47th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales gains in February compared with same month a year ago Jeep brand records its best February sales ever Ram pickup truck sales up 26 percent; best February sales in eight years Six Chrysler Group vehicles record their best February sales ever Strategic Vision names seven Chrysler Group vehicles as “Most Loved Vehicles in America” March 3, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 154,866 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in February 2013 (139,015 units), and the group’s best February sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in February compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 47 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand during the month. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 47-consecutive months in February. “The severe weather has been ideally suited for our legendary Jeep 4x4 capability as Jeep brand sales were up 47 percent and the brand had its best February sales ever,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Overall February was another solid month for Chrysler Group as our total sales were up 11 percent and we achieved our 47th-consecutive month of year-over-years sales growth.” Six Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in February. The Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Wrangler each turned in their best February sales ever. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Dodge Journey mid-size crossover also logged their best ever February sales. The Ram pickup truck, with its 26 percent increase, posted its best February sales in eight years. Sales of the all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV were up 12 percent compared with sales in the previous month of January. Chrysler Group finished the month of February with an 85 days supply of inventory (546,107 units). U.S. industry sales figures for February are internally projected at an estimated 15.8 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). February 2014 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were up 47 percent in February, the brand’s best February sales ever and the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. The Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler each set a sales record for the month of February. Jeep Grand Cherokee sales were up 34 percent, the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group model in February. Sales of the all-new Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV were up 12 percent compared with sales in January, its second-best monthly sales performance since arriving in dealerships in October. The new Cherokee won a MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Small Utility in February, while Strategic Vision added the Grand Cherokee to its list of “Most Loved Vehicles in America” in the Mid-size SUV category. For a second consecutive year, Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com honored the Patriot for having the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own in the compact SUV/crossover category. Ram Truck Brand Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 26 percent in February, its 46th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its best February sales since 2006. Ram Light Duty sales increased 30 percent in February, while Ram Heavy Duty pickups were up 19 percent. Shipments of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel began in February. The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28-mpg rating in February from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. The Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500 were named “Most Loved Vehicles in America” by Strategic Vision in February. The Ram 1500 also earned Best Pickup Truck for the second year in a row in MotorWeek’s annual list of Drivers’ Choice Awards. With its 8 percent increase, the Ram Cargo Van recorded its best February sales ever. FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales were up 5 percent in February, its best February sales since the brand returned to the U.S. market in 2011. It was the brand’s third-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle, and Fiat 500 Cabrio Abarth each logged year-over-year sales gains in February. Sales of the all-new Fiat 500L were up 10 percent in February compared with sales in the previous month of January. The FIAT brand launched the 2014 Abarth Track Experience in February, giving Fiat 500 Abarth owners the opportunity to develop their driving skills in a one-day performance adventure. Drivers pilot cars from a fleet of Abarths provided and put their skills to the test through four driving modules: autocross, head-to-head challenge, driving dynamics and performance drive. Drivers end their day by riding shotgun as professional drivers push the track-tuned Abarth vehicles to the limit. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 1 percent in February, compared with the same month a year ago, led by the Chrysler 200. Sales of the 200 were up 5 percent in February, the mid-size sedan’s best ever February sales. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will arrive in dealerships during the second quarter of this year. Chrysler Town & Country sales were up 1 percent in February, the minivan’s best February sales in two years and its seventh-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Dodge Brand Sales of the Dodge Durango full-size SUV were up 15 percent in February compared with the same month a year ago, extending its run of year-over-year sales gains to 16-consecutive months. It was the Durango’s best February sales since 2006. The Dodge Journey mid-size crossover recorded its best February sales ever, while sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan were up 1 percent. Dodge brand sales were down 11 percent in February compared with the same month a year ago, but up 43 percent compared with January sales. Building on the Dodge Journey’s best sales year ever in 2013, the Dodge brand introduced a new Journey model – the 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad – at the Chicago Auto Show in February. The Crossroad features distinctive new front and rear fasciae, Platinum Chrome side sills and unique 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, giving the three-row, seven-passenger crossover a rugged, capable look. The interior is loaded with premium finishes and features, including the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, new leather seat design and Liquid Graphite appliques. It is positioned between the SXT and Limited models in the Journey lineup and will begin arriving in Dodge dealerships this spring. The new Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker models with their functional throwback “Shaker” hoods are in hot demand as they start making their way to Dodge dealers across the country. The Dodge brand received 2,000 dealer orders – its entire 2014 model year production run – for the Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker in just four days. With its functional “Shaker” hood and unmistakable Dodge muscle-car cues, the new 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker marks the return of one of the brand’s most coveted performance options. Four Dodge brand vehicles – the Durango, Dodge Dart, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger – were named in February as “Most Loved Vehicles in America” by Strategic Vision in their respective categories. The Dodge Grand Caravan earned the 5-Year Cost to Own Award from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. The Grand Caravan has the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own in the minivan/van segment.