William Maley

GM Reports Highest Monthly Sales Since September 2008 Chevrolet and GMC large pickup sales up 29 percent in June; 23 percent in first half DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 264,843 vehicles in the United States in June, up 6 percent compared with a year ago. Deliveries to retail customers increased 14 percent while fleet sales declined 9 percent due to the timing of customer deliveries. Total crossover sales were up 9 percent compared with a year ago; passenger car sales were up 4 percent, and truck sales, which include pickups, vans and SUVs, were up 8 percent. All four GM brands posted higher retail sales, with Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac posting double-digit increases. “Our Chevrolet, Buick-GMC and Cadillac dealers reported strong retail deliveries across the board in June and for the first six months of the year,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “We have good momentum heading into the second half of 2013: the economic outlook is solid and our launch vehicles are performing well in the marketplace.” GM estimates that the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate for light vehicles in June was 15.8 million units, the highest level since November 2007. “America’s families are better off than they were at the beginning of the year and they believe – with good justification – that the economic expansion is going to continue,” said Mustafa Mohatarem, GM chief economist. “Even moderate economic growth will be enough to keep the auto sales rate in the second half of the year at healthy levels around the mid 15 million-unit mark.” June Sales Highlights (vs. 2012) Combined sales of GM’s mini, small and compact cars were up 59 percent. Large pickups were up 29 percent, luxury car sales were up 22 percent and compact crossovers were up 8 percent. Cadillac passenger car sales increased 38 percent on the strength of the all-new ATS and XTS, helping drive the brand’s fastest growth since 1976. Chevrolet mini, small and compact car sales were up 66 percent. Total sales of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra increased 29 percent and 33 percent respectively. Combined, dealers delivered more than 6,000 all-new 2014 crew cab models, and the “days to turn” is 10 days. The Chevrolet Cruze set an all-time monthly sales record, and Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Sonic each had their best-ever June sales. The Chevrolet Equinox had its best month ever with sales up 14 percent. Equinox deliveries have increased for 18 consecutive months. Chevrolet Impala retail deliveries rose 62 percent. Buick retail sales have increased for 14 consecutive months and the brand had its best June retail sales in seven years, on the strength of Buick Verano sales. Calendar Year-to-Date Sales Highlights (vs. 2012) Cadillac was the industry’s fastest-growing luxury brand with a first-half sales increase of 33 percent. Retail sales of GM’s redesigned medium crossovers have been very strong: the Buick Enclave was up 24 percent, the Chevrolet Traverse 21 percent and the GMC Acadia 16 percent. Crossover sales were up 16 percent compared with a year ago, passenger car sales were up 1 percent and truck sales were up 11 percent. Large pickup sales were up 23 percent, including a 49 percent increase in Silverado and Sierra sales to small business customers, who are benefiting from the recovery in housing and overall economic growth.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 2, 2013 Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 41.6% Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 23% BMW Group U.S. - Up 21.4% Ford Motor Company - Up 13.4% Mazda North American Operations - Up 13% Nissan North America - Up 12.9% Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 10% Toyota Motor Sales - Up 9.8% American Honda Motor Co. - Up 9.7% Audi of America - Up 8.2% Chrysler Group LLC - Up 8% Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 7% General Motors Co. - Up 6.5% Hyundai Motor America - Up 2% Kia Motors America - Down 1.5% Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 2.1% Volkswagen of America - Down 3.2% Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Down 6% Brands: Jaguar - Up 59% Subaru - Up 41.6% BMW - Up 24.6% Ram - Up 23% Porsche - Up 23% Nissan - Up 16.1% Cadillac - Up 14.9% Ford - Up 14% Mazda - Up 13% Honda - Up 12.5% Dodge - Up 12% Toyota - Up 10.2% Mercedes-Benz - Up 9.8% MINI - Up 9.6% Audi - Up 8.2% Chevrolet - Up 7.4% Lexus - Up 6.7% GMC - Up 4.5% Hyundai - Up 2% Fiat - Up 1% Chrysler - Up 1% Jeep - 0% Lincoln - Down 1% Kia - Down 1.5% Mitsubishi - Down 2.1% Volkswagen - Down 3.2% Land Rover - Down 4% Buick - Down 4.1% Volvo - Down 6% Sprinter - Down 8.1% Acura - Down 10.4% Infiniti - Down 12.7% Smart - Down 23.2% 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

Ford Motor Company U.S. Sales Up 13 Percent; Ford Cars, Escape Continue Record-Setting Pace, Driving Coastal Share Ford Motor Company’s June U.S. sales increase 13 percent compared with a year ago; best June sales since 2006 Ford Escape and passenger cars continue to propel share gains, particularly on the coasts, with Escape setting its fifth straight record month in June Ford F-Series sales post best June sales since 2005 All-new Lincoln MKZ posts best-ever June sales and best quarterly sales performance ever DEARBORN, Mich., July 2, 2013 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. June sales grew 13 percent compared with a year ago, marking Ford’s best June sales results since 2006. Cars are up 12 percent, utilities are up 8 percent, and trucks are up 20 percent. “In June, we continued to see strong demand across the entire lineup,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’re particularly encouraged by strong retail share gains, especially in coastal markets, where the combination of great design and fuel economy is resonating with customers – including many buying a Ford for the first time.” Ford small cars – including Fiesta, Focus and C-MAX – totaled 35,851, up 39 percent over last year and marking the best June small car performance in 13 years. Escape posted its best-ever monthly sales, up 1 percent at 28,694 vehicles. Escape set record sales for the fifth straight time this year. The small car performance, combined with strong demand for Escape and Fusion, is driving national share gains, especially in the critical western and southeastern areas of the U.S. Posting a 23rd consecutive monthly sales increase, F-Series sales are up 24 percent at 68,009 vehicles. This was the best June sales month for F-Series since 2005. The Lincoln MKZ posted its best-ever June sales, with 3,180 vehicles sold. In addition, the second quarter represented MKZ’s best quarterly sales performance ever and its first time to exceed 10,000 cars in a quarter, with 10,682 sold.

Chrysler Group LLC Reports June 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 8 Percent; Best June Sales in Six Years Best June sales since 2007 39th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each post sales increases in June compared with same month a year ago Seven Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in June Ram Truck brand sales up 23 percent; largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in June and best June sales since 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 33 percent in June; all Jeep brand vehicles in production record double-digit percentage sales gains Dodge Durango sales up 39 percent; largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group vehicle in June Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Challenger win AutoPacific 2013 Best-In-Class Vehicle Satisfaction Award July 2, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 156,686 units, an 8 percent increase compared with sales in June 2012 (144,811 units), and the group’s best June sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in June compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram Truck brand’s 23 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in June. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 39-consecutive months in June. “Last month Chrysler Group set seven individual vehicle line sales records and achieved our 39th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. The fundamentals for continued industry gains in new vehicle sales remain intact,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. Sales of the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 33 percent in June, the largest percentage sales gain of any Jeep brand vehicle in the month. It was the Grand Cherokee’s best June sales in eight years. All Jeep brand vehicles in production recorded year-over-year sales gains in June. Seven Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in the month of June. The Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot SUVs each recorded their best June sales ever. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Dart compact sedan also registered their best sales for the month of June. The Ram Cargo Van had its best sales month since launch. Sales of the Dodge Durango full-size SUV were up 39 percent, the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group vehicle in the month. Chrysler Group finished the month with a 68-days supply of inventory (408,336 units). U.S. industry sales figures for June are projected at an estimated 16.0 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). June 2013 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales were up 23 percent, the brand’s best June sales since 2007. The Ram pickup truck, with its 24 percent sales gain, logged its best June sales since 2007. It was the Ram pickup truck’s 38th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Light Duty Ram pickup were up 36 percent, driven by the Quad and Crew Cab pickups, while Heavy Duty Ram sales were up 5 percent. The Ram Cargo Van had its best sales month since launched in 2011. When the 2014 Ram 1500 full-size pickup arrives in dealerships in the fourth quarter this year, it will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque and impressive capability. The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty, with the all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8, will deliver best-in-class horsepower and best-in-class torque among pickups with gasoline engines. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 12 percent in June, the brand’s best June sales since 2007 and its 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Dodge Durango full-size SUV were up 39 percent, the largest percentage year-over-year sales gain of any Chrysler Group vehicle in June. Sales of the Dodge Charger were up 15 percent, its best June sales since 2007. The Dodge Challenger and Dodge Dart compact sedan each recorded their best June sales ever, and earned two respected awards during the month. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com picked the Dart as one of its “10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000,” while the Challenger tied for Best-In-Class Sporty Car in AutoPacific’s 17th-annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. The Challenger has set seven-consecutive monthly sales records. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 1 percent compared with the same month a year ago, the brand’s best June sales since 2007. Sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan were up 14 percent, a sales record for the month of June. The Chrysler 200 Convertible was recognized as the “Best Full-Size Convertible” in June by the Southern Automotive Media Association during its third annual “Topless in Miami” Convertible Awards. Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales were up 18 percent, the minivan’s best June sales since 2006. Already the most-awarded minivan, the Town & Country in June earned another honor as the highest-ranking minivan in the J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Initial Quality Study. In addition, for the second time in the last three years, automotive research group AutoPacific named the Town & Country as its Best-In-Class Minivan. FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales were up 1 percent in June compared with the same month a year ago. It was the brand’s best June sales since the Fiat 500 was launched in 2011 and its 16th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The FIAT brand’s product lineup expanded in June as the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L began arriving in FIAT studios across the country with a starting price of $19,100 and four value-loaded models. The 500L expands the appeal of the iconic 500, with two more doors, accommodations for five passengers, best-in-class interior volume (120.1 cu. ft.) and advanced European technology. The brand picked up several new awards in June. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com chose the 2013 Fiat 500 as one of its picks for this year’s “10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000.” Also, the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio was recognized as the “Best Small Convertible” by the Southern Automotive Media Association during its “Topless in Miami” Convertible Awards in June. It is the third time that the FIAT brand has been awarded this honor. The Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition won in 2012, as did the Fiat 500 Cabrio during the inaugural event in 2011. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were up slightly in June, the brand’s best June sales since 2005. All Jeep brand models in production recorded sales gains in June compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot each recorded their best June sales ever. Sales of the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 33 percent, its best June sales since 2005. The Grand Cherokee’s 33 percent sales gain was the largest percentage increase of any Jeep brand model during the month. For the third year in a row, AutoPacific named the Grand Cherokee Best-In-Class Mid-Size SUV in its Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. Sales of the Compass compact SUV were up 24 percent in June compared with the same month a year ago, while Patriot sales were up 20 percent. Available to consumers in the third quarter of this year, the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be offered at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $22,995 (plus $995 destination). The Cherokee’s starting price is hundreds of dollars less than the outgoing Liberty model, while offering more fuel economy, more advanced safety and technology features, even more class-leading 4x4 capability, a modern and progressive new design, and significantly improved everyday on-road ride and handling.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 2, 2013 The California-only Fiat 500e has been a resounding success for the brand. So much so that according to Jason Stoicevich, president and CEO of the Fiat brand in North America says they have sold out the production run of the 500e for the remainder of the year. “We’re pretty much sold out for the year,” said Stoicevich. Source: Wards Auto 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 1, 2013 For the past eleven years, the Toyota Camry has been best-selling car in America. But its title is being threaten by models like the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord. However, Toyota isn't ready to give up the crown so easily. "We will do what is necessary to get the vehicle into the hands of new and loyal customers. Incentives on Camry will remain as competitive as they need to be," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division General Manager in an e-mail. Toyota has been increasing incentives on the Camry over the past few months. Earlier this year, Toyota was putting $2,300 on the Camry. Now, that number has jumped to $2,750. In comparison, the Altima and Fusion currently have $2,300 - $2,400 on the hoods. The Honda Accord has only $1,400 on the hood. Toyota is also increasing fleet sales of the Camry. So far this year about 20 percent of Camrys have been going to fleets. While its more than the Hyundai Sonata (17 percent) and Honda Accord (1 percent), the Camry's total is lower than the Chevrolet Malibu (39 percent) and Nissan Altima (33 percent). Toyota says Camry fleet sales will go back down to their typical levels by the end of this year. However, insiders at Toyota wonder if this is the right move for the Camry. At the moment, the Camry has one of the highest 36-month residual values in the class with 54.4 percent – trailing only the Accord's 55.6 percent. But with Toyota's move of keeping the Camry on top, this could have some drastic effects. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 1, 2013 If you been looking at used midsize trucks and wondering why the prices are somewhat high, a new study has an answer to that. According to Black Book, the deprecation rate is much lower on midsize trucks than the whole used car market. In June, used cars as a whole saw a deprecation hit of 1.3 percent. In that same time, midsize trucks saw a 0.7 deprecation hit. Look over the past year and the margin grows wider. Used cars deprecated 13.7 percent, while midsize trucks deprecated 5.1 percent. What's the cause? Ricky Beggs, senior vice president and Managing Editor with Black Book says the reason is due to so few brand-new midsize trucks available. Currently the only midsize trucks on the market include the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. Source: Black Book 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 Lack Of New Model Options Drives Used MidSize Pickup Prices Used vehicles depreciated a very moderate -1.3% across all segments during June. However, the Midsize Pickups category saw very limited depreciation, with just a -0.7% monthly change for model years 2007-2011. The difference in depreciation is even more noticeable when the twelve-month depreciation rate is compared. Used vehicles overall have depreciated -13.7% during the last twelve months. However, Midsize Pickups have seen just a -5.1% change during the same time period. Average prices on Midsize Pickups currently stand at $15,630 compared with year-ago prices of $16,470. The 2010 model year Midsize Pickups saw particularly low depreciation over the last twelve months, with just a slight change of -3.7% from original prices. The fan-favorite Midsize Pickups category includes vehicles such as the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado (which currently are no longer sold as new), Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline. According to Ricky Beggs, Midsize Pickups are showing strong price retention mostly because a lack of model options at new retail have driven up demand for the vehicles. "Manufacturers shifted more production to the Fullsize Pickups during the last several years because of their profitability, versatility and improved fuel economy, and they have not replenished models that were discontinued." Here is the complete breakdown of value changes of used cars and Midsize Pickups (2007-2011): Vehicle 7/1/12 6/1/13 1M Chg 7/1/13 3M Chg 12M Chg 5-Year Average Used $20,428 $17,874 -1.3% $17,636 -2.4% -13.7% 5-Year Average MPT $16,470 $15,733 -0.7% $15,630 0.2% -5.1% 2011 Model Year MPT $21,088 $20,256 -0.3% $20,188 0.2% -4.3% 2010 Model Year MPT $19,355 $18,745 -0.5% $18,645 0.5% -3.7% 2009 Model Year MPT $16,579 $15,717 -0.6% $15,625 -0.9% -5.8% 2008 Model Year MPT $14,604 $13,888 -0.9% $13,758 0.6% -5.8% 2007 Model Year MPT $12,746 $12,071 -1.0% $11,954 0.6% -6.2% View full article

Funny you should mention that.. From the Automotive News story,

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 29, 2013 Last night, Automotive News broke some big news concerning Cadillac. Sources say that executives have put on ice a new super luxury sedan that would have competed with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The reason is due to the investment not being justifiable. A brief refresher: Back in 2011, we began hearing rumors of a new RWD platform with the codename of Omega. Omega was to spawn two new Cadillac flagships; one that would take on the likes of the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class; and a super luxury sedan. Now, development of Omega and the S-Class competitor is still on and is expected to come out sometime in 2016 or 2017. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 28, 2013 Here's a story that we're filling under the 'wait and see' file. Reuters is reporting that the Peugeot family, which currently owns a 25.4-percent stake in PSA Peugeot-Citroën automaker and 38.1 percent of voting rights is willing to give up its stake and try to revive a tie-up with General Motors. "GM faces the same overcapacity situation with Opel, and that's why PSA is trying to convince them to merge the two. The Peugeot family has now accepted that they'll lose control, so this is no longer an issue," said a person familiar with the matter. How dire is PSA Peugeot-Citroën at the moment? Well the two brands were the hardest hit in European sales slump and it looks like that trend will continue. Plus, the company could burn through all its assets by the end of this year if they don't get another injection of money and a groundwork plan. GM CEO Dan Akerson told reporters last week that the company has no plans to put in more cash into PSA. "We don't have any intention of investing additional funds into PSA at this time. If we see something changes, we'll evaluate that," said Akerson. A source says that GM is playing hardball to get "...assurances that it would be able to cut plants and jobs at reasonable cost." If General Motors did get control PSA Peugeot-Citroën, what would happen? The answer is a bit murky. But expect a number of plant shutdowns and laid-off workers to help save money. There is also talk about shared platforms between the two. However, there lies a huge problem with this scenario. The French Government, which made a very controversial 7 billion euro investment into PSA Peugeot-Citroën's financial arm, would not approve of large-scale workforce reductions and plant closures in the country. Source: Reuters 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 28, 2013 When the 2014 Mazda3 was unveiled on Wednesday, it was announced that it would come with two SKYACTIV-G engines for the the U.S.; a 2.0L and 2.5L. Meanwhile in Europe and Japan, Mazda announced that the new 3 will also come in a diesel and hybrid model. That begs the question, will the U.S.-Spec Mazda3 come with either one of those engines. According to Mazda USA's CEO Jim O'Sullivan, the answer is a maybe. O'Sullivan told Automotive News that the company is considering adding the 2.2L SKYACTIV-D to the Mazda3. However, the company wants to see how the new Mazda6 with the same diesel engine will fare before making a final decision. As for the Mazda3 Hybrid, O'Sullivan said for the time being the company has no plans to sell it in the U.S. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 27, 2013 Since the departure of Maybach, there has been a number of questions and rumors concerning if the next-generation S-Class would take on the role of being the ultra luxury vehicle. In a interview with Autocar, Diamler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Mercedes-Benz has a plan. “We will continue in the market segment above €200,000. It is important that Mercedes-Benz is represented. We have tradition at this level. said Zetsche. “We see a chance to extend our leadership at the top end of the luxury car market. We plan to extend the number of models, and a Pullman is included in those plans.” Autocar speculates that the new Pullman will use a extra long-wheelbase S-Class as a base and add a number of luxury touches. Source: Autocar 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

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 27, 2013 What if I hadn't driven the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage? That was a thought that kept popping into my head when I was driving around in the 2013 Nissan Rogue a couple weeks ago. The Rogue is the oldest model in the compact crossover class, introduced back in 2007 and getting a refresh in 2011. But having driven the CX-5 and Sportage recently, could the Rogue stand up? The Nissan Rogue doesn't really shatter the status quo in design. In fact, the Rogue could be classified as the status quo. The profile of the Rogue mimics Nissan's larger Murano crossover in every which way. Up front is unique front grille treatment and a hood with creases running towards the middle. The side has a set of very stylish eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and not so stylish chrome trim pieces and door handles. These pieces just look like an afterthought. Stepping inside, the Rogue is a dreary place to be. Amy Winehouse's Back to Black was playing in my head as I looked around and saw the black leather seats, black dashboard, and black and silver trim pieces. This isn't helped by the materials used which range from ok to bad. This is an interior that could use some rehab. What the Rogue doesn't need help is with passenger comfort. My SL tester came equipped with a power driver's seat which made finding a comfortable position very easy. Back seat passengers will find plenty of head and legroom. Cargo space measures out to 27.9 cu.ft. with the seats up and 57.9 cu.ft. with the seats down, making the Rogue one the smallest in the class. Feature wise, the Rogue has pretty much got it covered. My SL tester came equipped with leather, heated front seats, automatic temperature control, sunroof, seven-speaker Bose Audio system, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a five-inch color touchscreen with navigation. One note on the touchscreen: During the day, I found the screen washes out very easily, making it difficult to see the navigation or what's playing. Powering all Rogues is a 2.5L DOHC Four-Cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with Nissan's XTronic CVT and is sent to the front wheels or my test vehicle's AWD system. Despite the small numbers, the 2.5L is very much suited for the job. During my week, I never found myself wishing for more power in any situation. Whether I was leaving a stop, merging onto a freeway, or cruising down the road, the 2.5L just worked. A lot of credit goes to Nissan's excellent XTronic CVT. The CVT knows what RPM the engine needs to be whatever situation is at hand. Plus, the XTronic CVT that doesn't make that much cabin noise... Well aside from flooring it. The EPA rates the 2013 Rogue AWD at 22 City/27 Highway/24 Combined. During my week, I averaged 25 MPG. The Rogue's ride is what most people want in a compact crossover; a soft and comfortable ride. On rougher surfaces, the Rogue's suspension does transmit those imperfections. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum. One item Nissan should be given a lot of credit for adding as an option is their Around View Monitor system. Part of the SL option package, the Around View Monitor system adds four cameras (one up front, one in the back, and one on each side-view mirror) that give a full 360' view when backing up or trying to parallel park. This is one system I hope other automakers are taking notes on. The 2013 Nissan Rogue is very much a competent compact crossover. It does everything well that you might throw at it in your daily life. But the problem for the Rogue is that it doesn't really stand out in the compact crossover class like before. Consider the two vehicles I mentioned at the top of this review, the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles are examples on how far the compact crossover class has moved on and how far back the Rogue is in comparison. A competent compact crossover can get you far, but not far enough when there is fresh meat in the marketplace. Here's to hoping the next Rogue brings it. Disclaimer: Nissan provided the Rogue, Insurance, and one tank of gas. 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. Year - 2013 Make – Nissan Model – Rogue Trim – SV AWD Engine – 2.5L DOHC Inline-Four Driveline – All-Wheel Drive, Continuously Variable Transmission Horsepower @ RPM – 170 @ 6,000 RPM Torque @ RPM – 175 @ 4,400 RPM Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/27/24 Curb Weight – N/A Location of Manufacture – Kyūshū, Japan Base Price - $26,050.00 As Tested Price - $30,965.00* (Includes $825.00 destination charge) Options: SL Package - $3,900.00 Floor Mats & Cargo Area Protection - $190.00 View full article

Yeah, whenever I publish a story.. its much quicker to post.