William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 1, 2013 Porsche Cars North America - Up 31% Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 27.8% Audi of America - Up 27.5% Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 22.2% Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 18% Subaru of America - Up 11% Ford Motor Company - Up 9% General Motors - Up 7.2% Toyota Motor Sales - Up 4.3% Chrysler Group LLC - Up 4% Volkswagen of America - Up 2.9% Hyundai Motor America - Up 2% American Honda - Down 2% BMW Group U.S. - Down 2.2% Mazda North American Operations - Down 2.8% Nissan North America - Down 6.6% Volvo Cars of North America - Down 7.5% Kia Motors America - Down 7.8% 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 Sales Up 9 Percent, Best February In Six Years; Fusion, Escape Set Sales Records Ford Motor Company U.S. February sales up 9 percent – best February in six years, with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent Fusion sets an all-time February sales record, surpasses last year’s record by 28 percent Escape produces its best February sales ever; Explorer reaches best February sales since 2006, up 59 percent America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years running, F-Series posts 15 percent gain Ford announces 2013 second-quarter production of 800,000 vehicles, up 9 percent from the prior year DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2013 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold. This marks Ford’s best February sales in six years – with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent. “As more new vehicle buyers continue returning to the marketplace, our fresh new product portfolio of fuel-efficient vehicles is winning over customers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “People are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, thanks to strong fuel economy and innovative new technologies.” Ford Fusion posted record February sales totaling 27,875 vehicles. This is a 28 percent gain over last February’s record. Escape followed January’s record sales with a new February sales record of 24,110 vehicles – a 29 percent increase over last year. Plus, Explorer boosted its sales 59 percent in February, with 16,586 vehicles sold – its best February sales results in seven years. America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, sold 54,489 pickups in February, a 15 percent increase over last year. F-Series had its best February sales results since 2007. This marks F-Series’ 19th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect also continues to strengthen, selling 3,610 vehicles in February – a 57 percent increase over last year. Ford also announced its 2013 second-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 800,000 vehicles in the second quarter, up 9 percent (63,000 vehicles) from 2012’s second quarter. First quarter production of 770,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 1, 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, here is the Toyota FT-86 Open concept that will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The pictures obtained by FT86Club.com gives us an indication of what's in store for the convertible. The concept features a folding soft top, a two-tone leather interior, the somewhat useless backseat, and large wheel/tire package. We'll have more information within the next week or so. Source: FT86Club.com 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

Chrysler Group LLC Reports February 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 4 Percent; Best February Sales in Five Years Best February sales since 2008 35th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in February compared with same month a year ago Dodge brand sales increase 30 percent; best February sales since 2007 and largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand Dodge Dart sales increase 8 percent month over month; best sales month since June launch last year Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Fiat 500 Abarth, and SRT Viper each earn a MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award in February Dodge Challenger muscle car sets all-time sales record; sales up 34 percent in February Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan sets sales record for month of February with 52 percent sales gain Dodge Journey full-size crossover sets sales record for month of February; sales up 21 percent Dodge Durango sales up 38 percent; best February sales since 2006 Ram pickup truck sales up 3 percent; best February sales since 2007 New 2014 Ram ProMaster full-size van debuts at Chicago Auto Show with best-in-class features focused on the commercial customer Ram Truck brand to build industry’s only light-duty diesel pickup beginning in the third quarter Ram Truck brand is the most-improved brand in the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study Fiat 500 sets sales record for month of February with 2 percent sales gain Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for the month of February with 18 percent increase Jeep® brand unveils the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, its all-new mid-size sport-utility vehicle Jeep Patriot compact SUV sets sales record for month of February with 24 percent sales gain Jeep Wrangler sets sales record for month of February; sales up 8 percent Jeep Compass sales up 36 percent; best February sales since 2007 March 1, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 139,015 units, a 4 percent increase compared with sales in February 2012 (133,521 units), and the group’s best February sales since 2008. The Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in February compared with the same month last year. The Dodge brand’s 30 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in February. While Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains in February to 35-consecutive months, sales and shipment volumes for the first quarter of 2013 are being negatively affected by the end of Jeep Liberty production in Q3 2012 and the on-going product launches during the quarter of the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Compass, and the new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty truck line. As the Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, Sergio Marchionne, pointed out in the 2012 Q4 and full-year earnings call at the end of January, due to the aforementioned vehicle launches, Chrysler Group’s first-quarter volumes are expected to be lower than the volumes reached during the same quarter in 2012. “In spite of a cautious ramp up of some of our most popular products which limited inventory last month, we still managed to record our strongest February sales in five years and our 35th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Looking ahead, we expect to get our inventory gaps corrected over the next 90 days resulting in additional products contributing to our growth.” February was a record-setting month for eight Chrysler Group vehicles. The all-new Dodge Dart compact car continued to build momentum setting an all-time sales record in February with its 8 percent month-over-month sales gain. In addition to the Dart, the Dodge Challenger muscle car set an all-time sales record with its 34 percent sales gain. Two additional Dodge brand models set records as well. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Journey full-size crossover each set a sales record for the month of February. Two Jeep® brand vehicles had record-setting February sales. The Jeep Patriot compact SUV and the iconic Jeep Wrangler each set sales records for month of February, as did the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and Fiat 500. Ram pickup truck sales increased 3 percent in February, compared with the same month a year ago. The pickup truck was Chrysler Group’s top-selling vehicle by volume in February followed by the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. Chrysler Group finished the month with a 71-days supply of inventory (413,989 units). U.S. industry sales figures for February are projected at an estimated 15.5 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). February 2013 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 30 percent in February, the brand’s best February sales in six years and its 21st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Dodge brand’s 30 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in February. Four Dodge brand vehicles set sales records in February led by the all-new Dodge Dart, named Best Compact Car in MotorWeek’s annual Drivers’ Choice Awards. Dart sales were up 8 percent month-over-month in February, the model’s best monthly sales since Dodge dealers began selling the Dart in June last year. Like the Dart, the Dodge Challenger set an all-time sales record in February with a 34 percent increase in year-over-year sales. The Challenger has been on a torrid sales pace for the last 13 months, setting nine sales records, including three all-time sales records, during that period. The Dodge brand produced two additional record setters in February. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Journey full-size crossover each set sales records for the month of February. It was the Avenger’s 17th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, and it was the ninth-consecutive month that the Journey, the most affordable seven-passenger crossover in the United States, has set a sales record. Ram Truck Brand Sales of the Ram pickup truck – Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year – were up 3 percent in February, the truck’s 34th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. It was the truck’s best February sales in six years. Sales of the Light Duty Ram pickup increased 2 percent while Heavy Duty Ram sales were up 14 percent. The Ram 1500 was named Best Pickup Truck in MotorWeek’s annual Drivers’ Choice Awards in February. Ram Truck brand sales were up 2 percent in February compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram Truck brand was named in February as the most improved brand in the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The brand moved up 20 positions in the brand rankings compared to the 2012 VDS, with 30 percent fewer problems reported per 100 vehicles. The Ram Truck brand unveiled its new 2014 Ram ProMaster full-size van at the Chicago Auto Show in February. The ProMaster puts Ram Truck back into the expanding, purpose-built, full-size van segment with best-in-class features focused on the commercial customer. Coming from a strong background of commercial vehicles produced by Fiat Professional, the ProMaster is based on the Fiat Ducato, which has been in production for more than 30 years. ProMaster boasts numerous best-in-class features that are appreciated by the hard-working customers of Ram’s new van. Best-in-class fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, usability and of course total cost of ownership all combine to deliver a proven solution for businesses and fleets. Start of ProMaster production is scheduled for third quarter of 2013. All configurations will be produced at the Saltillo Van Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico. Also in the third quarter, the Ram Truck brand will become the only brand to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton line of trucks. The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability. FIAT Brand Sales of the Fiat 500 were up 2 percent in February, a sales record for the month of February. It was the 12th-consecutive month in which the Fiat 500 has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in September last year. The Fiat 500 Abarth was named Best Sport Coupe in MotorWeek’s annual Drivers’ Choice Awards last month. MotorWeek, television’s original automotive magazine, has judged the best new cars and trucks of the year for the past 32 years. Its annual Drivers’ Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view, judging on value and reliability, while also taking the latest trends and innovation into consideration. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 21 percent month-over-month versus sales in January, while down 7 percent compared to the same month a year ago. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan set a sales record for the month of February with its 18 percent sales gain. The 200 was the Chrysler Group’s second-best selling vehicle in February, coming in behind only the Ram pickup truck, which was the volume leader. The Chrysler Town & Country, America’s most awarded minivan and recent winner of the Polk Loyalty Award for a record 12th-straight year, is off to a fast start this year with month-over-month sales up 32 percent compared with sales in January. Two new editions of the brand’s flagship Chrysler 300 full-size sedan are beginning to arrive in dealership showrooms. The Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition combines the segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive system with unique design appointments, world-class technologies, and a fresh look to the stylish and sophisticated 300 series sedan lineup. All-wheel-drive sales in February represented more than 20 percent of 300 sales, continuing the upward trend for the segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive system. The Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition sedan is designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, while the 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition surrounds its passengers with craftsmanship and an industrious style that could only be “Imported from Detroit.” Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were down 16 percent in February in the U.S. due to Jeep Liberty production ending in August and the ongoing product launches of and launch preparations for the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Cherokee (the Liberty replacement), and the Jeep Compass and Patriot. The Jeep Wrangler and Patriot each set a sales record for the month of February. Wrangler sales were up 8 percent, while sales of the Patriot were up 24 percent compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep Compass compact SUV had its best February sales in six years with its 36 percent gain compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand announced in February it is bringing the venerable Cherokee name back to North America with the debut of an all-new mid-size SUV. Set to debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee sets a new standard with best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model. The Cherokee will be built at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, and will arrive in dealer showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 28, 2013 Besides the nine-speed Evoque that Land Rover will be showing at the Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover will also be showing be Electric Defender Research Vehicle. Based on the 110-Series Defender, Land Rover's Advanced Engineering Team dropped the diesel engine that powers the Defender and put in a 70kW electric motor and 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Total output stands at 94 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. All of that power goes through a single speed transmission and the Defender's existing four-wheel drive system. Range stands at 50 miles, but can travel up to eight hours without needed a charge when driven slowly off-road. Recharge times are ten hours when using a portable charger and four hours with a quick charger. Land Rover is very adamant that the Electric Defender is still a Defender. The Electric Defender still boasts the same capabilities as the normal Defender. Plus Land Rover put the Electric Defender through some grueling tests such as pulling a 13.4-ton road train up a 13% incline and driving through 31 inches of water. Land Rover says the Electric Defender will not be appearing in its lineup anytime soon. However, Land Rover has built seven Electric Defenders that will be used for testing as the company investigates electric propulsion. Source: Land Rover Album: Land Rover Electric Defender Research Vehicle 9 images 0 comments 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 Land Rover Unveils New Electric Defender Research Vehicle Land Rover continues to champion innovation in engineering and develop sustainable automotive solutions Engineered to deliver zero emissions while retaining legendary all-terrain capability Innovative powertrain combines a 70kw electric motor with lithium-ion battery pack Land Rover is continuing to champion British innovation and cutting-edge automotive engineering by unveiling seven new Electric Defender models at the Geneva Motor Show. The research vehicle delivers zero emissions while retaining its tough, go-anywhere capability. "Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of our business and our engineering teams are working hard to develop innovative new technology to provide sustainable motoring solutions," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. The standard diesel engine and gearbox have been replaced by a 70kW (94bhp), 330Nm electric motor twinned with a 300-volt, lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27kWh, giving a range of more than 50 miles. In typical, low speed off-road use it can last for up to eight hours before recharging. The battery can be fully charged by a 7kW fast charger in four hours, or a portable 3kW charger in 10 hours. The electric vehicles (EVs) retain the Defender's legendary four-wheel drive system and differential lock. Because the electric motor delivers maximum torque from the moment it starts, there's no need for gear shifting and the transmission comprises a single speed, 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined with the existing Defender four-wheel drive system. A modified version of Land Rover's Terrain Response® System has also been incorporated. The vehicles were developed by Land Rover's Advanced Engineering Team following successful trials of the Defender-based electric vehicle, Leopard 1. The vehicles' capability has been tested in extreme and environmentally sensitive conditions, demonstrating capabilities not shared by conventional road-going EVs. Trials included pulling a 12-tonne 'road train' up a 13 percent gradient and wading to a depth of 800mm. In keeping with Land Rover's 'Tread Lightly' philosophy the smooth, low-speed capability of the electric drivetrain makes the Electric Defenders especially well suited to climbing obstacles without damaging the ground unnecessarily. The battery weighs 410kg and is mounted in the front of the Defender in place of the diesel engine. Kerb weight is 100kg more than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055kg to 2162kg depending whether the body style is a pick-up, hard top or station wagon. All the major components in the electric powertrain - including the battery, inverter and motor - are air-cooled rather than liquid cooled, saving a considerable amount of weight and complexity and adding robustness. Regenerative braking has been optimised to such an extent that using Hill Descent Control, the motor can generate 30kW of electricity. Because the battery technology can be charged very quickly at a rate of up to twice its capacity of 54kW without reducing battery life, almost all of the regenerated energy can be recovered and stored. Up to 80 percent of the kinetic energy in the vehicle can be recovered in this way, depending on conditions. "This project is acting as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover to assess electric vehicles, even in the most arduous all-terrain conditions. It gives us a chance to evolve and test some of the technologies that may one day be introduced into future Land Rover models," said Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Research. Although there are no plans for the all-terrain Electric Defender to enter series production, the seven EVs will go into service in specialist applications later this year. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 28, 2013 Maserati's most hardcore vehicle, the GranTurismo MC Stradale has got some changes that will be shown at next week's Geneva Motor Show. The big change is the addition of back seats, which means those who want to carry three passengers in their race-derived coupe have an option. Other changes for the GranTurismo MC Stradale include a new carbon fiber hood with an integrated air scoop, twenty-inch alloy wheels, and new air extractors in the back. Power will come in the form of a 4.7L V8 producing 460 horsepower. All of that power is sent through Maserati's MC Race Shift six-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Source: Maserati Album: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale 2 images 0 comments 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 MASERATI: LUXURY AND SPORTINESS FOR FOUR: FOUR SEATER GRANTURISMO MC STRADALE MAKES ITS DEBUT IN GENEVA The MC Stradale will be the star on the Maserati stand, alongside all the new Quattroporte versions as they make their European debut Modena, 27 February 2013. From the moment the spotlight hits the new range - starting with the new Quattroporte, set to make its European debut at the Geneva Motorshow - Maserati also revamps those luxury sports models which provided the basis for the brand's growth. In line with this philosophy, Geneva will see the world debut of the new four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale, the optimum expression of sportiness combined with the luxury of a coupé made in Modena. Although the new Quattroporte is the first Maserati to be built at the new Giovanni Agnelli plant in Grugliasco (Turin), the GranTurismo MC Stradale will in fact be built at the historic factory in viale Ciro Menotti in Modena. Just like the previous two seater version, the new four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale takes its inspiration from the racing version which competes in the Maserati Trofeo Championship, offering the perfect combination of sportiness, luxury and elegance, comfort and style, functionality and dynamism - that can now be enjoyed by four people. The new aesthetic exterior features, with their clear racing edge, are highlighted by the new carbon fibre bonnet which frames a central air intake and two rear extractors and by the new forged 20" alloy rims. The new GranTurismo MC Stradale boasts a cabin that has four comfortable seats and an interior design featuring new materials and style. The new GranTurismo MC Stradale also features the 4.7 litre, 460 HP aspirated V8 engine which made its debut in the GranTurismo Sport and which is now fitted to the entire 4.7 litre GranTurismo range. Combined with an MC Race Shift 6-speed robotised manual gearbox, this engine ensures outstanding performance - with a top speed of 188 mph - which can be enjoyed in this new four passenger configuration. The safety of the vehicle is guaranteed by the Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs. The new GranTurismo MC Stradale also benefits from the work carried out on the latest engine range to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 28, 2013 Before the Chevrolet Volt was launched, General Motor executives were making some very bold claims on production numbers, throwing numbers like 60,000 or 45,000 Volts a year. Since going into production, GM has sold 7,671 Volts in 2011 and 23,461 in 2012. Combine the Opel and Vauxhall Ampera and then you're looking around 30,000 plug-in vehicles. Now for 2013, General Motors looks to be boosting their production number, albeit more realistic. Bloomberg reports that General Motors is planning to boost production of their plug-in vehicles to 36,000, a 20% increase. This information comes from two sources familiar with the matter. Source: Bloomberg 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