2015 CHEVROLET CRUZE SPIED ON ITS HOME TURF

 

By Steven J. Ewing, Autoblog.com - The next Chevrolet Cruze isn't set to go into production for about another year, and we're just now seeing prototypes of the new compact running around in the United States either.  Not much more has been revealed since we saw the car blasting through the snow in Europe, but we can still clearly see new design elements like the larger grille, slimmer headlamps and redesigned taillamps.

Our spy photographers worked up a composite image of this Cruze prototype alongside and can clearly see some big visual changes are in store for the new model.  The 2015 Cruze's hood slopes downward more dramatically, the windshield is more heavily raked, and the roofline looks more fluid overall.  The next-generation Cruze will ride on the new global Delta platform that will also underpin other General Motors vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Equinox.

As for what's under the hood, we expect the normal range of gasoline four-cylinder engines (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged), and the compact's new turbodiesel four should carry over, as well. 

TOYOTA KEEPS WORLD'S LARGEST AUTOMAKER CROWN, GM AND VW CLOSE BEHIND

 

By Jeremy Korzeniewski, Autoblog.com - Toyota still holds the title of World's Largest Automaker.  The Japanese automaker ceded the claim to General Motors in 2011 following a series of natural and man-made disasters that stifled production in Asia.  Production is back up to full speed and, coupled with the introduction of a new Camry midsize sedan, Toyota retook the title in 2012 and has so far been able to keep it by selling 2.43 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2013.

The race is still tight -- General Motors reports sales of 2.36 million vehicles, earning it the second spot globally with Volkswagen's 2.27 million sales nabbing the German automaker third place.  It's not all smooth sailing for Toyota, either, as the brand's first-quarter figures were down 2.2 per cent when compared to last year.  GM posted a 3.6 per cent gain and VW managed a 5.1 per cent gain over the same period.

Sales in China may be a deciding factor as to which automaker performs best in 2013.  Toyota's figures were down 13 per cent in China.  Meanwhile, GM and VW are continuing their upward trajectories in the crucial Chinese market.

As ever, each of the automakers says publicly it doesn't care much about the title.  Shino Yamada, a spokesperson for Toyota, told The Washington Post, "Rather than pursuing numbes, we try to sell one car at a time, producing good cars.  We aren't focused on being number one."  GM spokesperson Jim Cain echoed a similar note, saying.  "A day doesn't go by that we don't try to increase our sales all over the world."

TARANTINO'S STOLEN CHEVY MALIBU FROM PULP FICTION RECOVERED AFTER 19 YEARS

 

By Zach Bowman, Autoblog.com - Quentin Tarantino fans will likely remember Vincent Vega's cherry 1964 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible in Pulp Fiction.  In a movie drenched in automotive references, the Malibu is very nearly a character in and of itself, and it serves as the subject of Vega's soliloquy about the kind of man who vandalizes another's automobile.  It also happened to be Tarantino's personal car when the film was shot, and was apparently stolen shortly after production wrapped.  Now police have located the car some 19 years later.

As it turns out, the thieves cloned the vehicle identification number from another '64 Malibu and had the car registered under the new digits.  It was then sold to an unsuspecting buyer.  Police happened upon the duplicate VINs while investigating another potential theft.  Right now, it's unclear whether Tarantino has taken possession of the Chevrolet, if it has remained in the possession of the fraud victim, or whether it's caught somewhere in the gears of justice.

2014 CHEVY CORVETTE STINGRAY ORDER GUIDE HITS THE WEB

 

By Jeffrey N. Ross, Autoblog.com - The official debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is only part of the excitement for fans of Chevy's virtuoso sportscar.  Although we got to see the car and some of its preliminary specs in Detroit and Geneva, there is still no word on pricing and some of the juicier data points we've been waiting for -- such as confirmed power output, EPA estimated mileage figures and performance numbers.  Until then, CorvetteBlogger has gotten its hands on the order guide for the coupe version of the car -- in both base and Z51 iterations -- revealing tidbits like standard and optional features and available color combinations.

Some other new details made it onto the order guide, such as our first interior specs for the coupe including slightly less hip room and headroom, more shoulder room and the same amount of legroom.  To see the full order guide, head on over to CorvetteBlogger.  For what we can gather, it sounds like more information will be revealed on April 25 during a party at the Corvette Museum, and for those sun worshipers patiently waiting for a convertible, it would appear you've got another model year to wait through.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT '57 CHEVY THEFTS

 

By Zach Bowman, Autoblog.com - The US-based National Insurance Crime Bureau has taken a closer look at just how often 1957 Chevrolet vehicles have been stolen since the car first rolled off the assembly line some 56 years ago.  As you may recollect, someone pilfered TV personality Phil McGraw's example from a repair shop in Burbank, CA.  As one of 42 '57 Chevy thefts in 2012, the US$100,000 two-door wasn't alone.  All told, California accounts for the bulk fo the classic model's thefts at 6,700 between 1958 and last year, followed by Texas at 2,171 and New York at 1,286.

The car was particularly popular in 1972, when 3,071 examples were stolen from their owners nationwide.  Thieves targeted the cars heavily for a five-year run between 1969 and 1974.  There is some good news for McGraw, however.  Police busted an auto theft ring in the LA area in December, and his '57 was among those found at the location.

Check out the full press release below for more information.

Hot Wheels Classics: Thefts of 1957 Chevrolets
Stylish Icon Remains a Collector's Dream Car
DES PLAINES, ILL., April 10, 2013 -- The '57 Chevy is instantly recognized by auto enthusiasts the world over and equally cherised by discriminating auto thieves as well.  Last August, none other than television therapist Dr. Phil McGraw had to be consoled after learning that his '57 Chevy, valued at $100,000 was stolen from a repair shop in Burbank, Calif.  It was one of 42 thefts of '57 Chevys reported to law enforcement in 2012.

Long the national leader in overall vehicle thefts, it was not surprising that Dr. Phil's '57 Chevy was among California's theft statistics in 2012.  Indeed, California posted the most '57 Chevy thefts (1958-2012) with 6,700.  It was followed by Texas (2,171), New York (1,286), Washington (909), and Missouri (705).

The most '57 Chevy thefts occurred during calendar year 1972 when 3,071 were stolen.  Then, in descending order, it was 1973 (2,682), 1974 (2,098), 1969 (1,648), and 1970 (1,478).

NICB reviewed '57 Chevy theft data contained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) vehicle theft file from 1958-2012 and identified 23,250 theft records.  As always, readers should note that inconsistency and inaccuracy with vehicle theft reporting may impact accuracy and reliability of this data.

As soon as the '57 Chevy rolled off General Motors' assembly lines it was destined to be a classic.  With its chrome-topped tail fins and twin chrome hood rockets, it was as forward thinking as it was striking in appearance.  In "A Century of Chevrolet" published in October, 2011 by Automotive News, John Kraman, director of consignments for Mecum Auctions in Marengo, Ill. said, "These cars are so sought after and iconic because of the legacy buyers who put these cars on a pedestal.  It's about the aura, the image and reputation, which have been somewhat romanticized by shows and books.  It's the romantic notion that the past is better than the present."

Romantic notions aside, in 1957 Dr. Phil's Bel Air would have cost between $2,238 and $2,757, yet it is valued today at $100,000-not a bad bit of appreciation; and for a thief-all profit.

There is a happy ending to Dr. Phil's story, by the way.  In December, officers from Los Angeles County's Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP)-which includes a NICB special agent-busted an auto theft ring in the Los Angeles area.  Dr. Phil's '57 Chevy was among the stolen vehicles recovered at the scene.

While most consumers do not own a classic '57 Chevy, their vehicle is as likely to be stolen as any other-if the circumstances allow.  Don't leave keys in your vehicle and never leave it running while you stop for a quick visit at a convenience store-that's all it take to become a statistic.  NICB urges motorists to follow its "layered approach" to auto theft prevention."  By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions, people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.

CHEVY MOVES TO TRADEMARK CHEVELLE NAMEPLATE, BUT WHY?

By Steven J. Ewing, Autoblog.com - According to a report from GM Authority, General Motors has applied for a trademark on the "Chevelle" nameplate, filing the request under the "exterior badges for vehicles" category of the "goods and services" section of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  And while you certainly could argue that this is simply to protect the Chevelle nomenclature that represents a large part of Chevrolet history, GM Authority has a couple of good reasons why you might want to think otherwise.

First of all, GMA points out that companies don't necessarily file trademarks for the sake of keeping up on records.  Basically, if a company wants to complete the registration of a trademark, it needs to file a legal document called a SOU (Statement of Use), which requests that the applicant show the current business reason for filing the trademark.  That said, a company can prolong the time it has to file an SOU by up to three years which does, sort of, account for using the trademark on a future product.

But what sort of future product?  GM Authority suggests -- and stay with us here -- that the Chevelle name could be applied to a new coupe to slot in above the Camaro but below the Corvette.  In other words, Chevrolet could bring a version of the Code 130R concept into production, call it the Camaro, and then have the Chevelle act as a replacement for the Camaro as we know it today, meaning the 130R-based car would instead take the shape of a sort of Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ fighter as we earlier reported.

Another option would be to slap the Chevelle name on the replacement for the Chevrolet SS sedan, which just made its introduction earlier this year.  GM Authority states that the Holden VF Commodore on which the current SS is based will only be around for another three years, so this would still be within the timing of the trademark filing's Statement of Use.

Of course, this could all be nothing -- or it could be something else entirely.  Only time will tell. 

GM AND FACEBOOK, SITTING IN A TREE ONCE AGAIN

 

By Jeffrey N. Ross, Autoblog.com - Almost a year ago, General Motors made the high-profile move of pulling its advertisements from Facebook, but now it appears that the two giants of their respective industries are back on speaking terms.  Ad Age is reporting that GM is once again committing its ad dollars to Facebook, although there are few details to go on including how much the automaker plans to spend.

What's changed since last May?  For starters, Joel Ewanick was fired from GM last year after ending the relatively small Facebook ad budget (reportedly US$10 million) and initiating a much more expensive one (US$559 million) with British soccer team Manchester United.  Also, the Ad Age article does indicate that since last May, Facebook has come up with a new ad exchange that offers more traditional advertisements rather than cookie-based social ads, which may have been one of the reasons GM dropped its Facebook budget to begin with.

In any case, you can now expect to see The General's advertisements while you're looking for some online social interaction.

FIRST PRODUCTION 2014 CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE AUCTIONED FOR A COOL $1-MILLION

By Michael Harley, Autoblog.com - Barrett-Jackson auctioned off the first production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible in Palm Beach this weekend, with the open-top two-seater commanding a huge winning bid of US$1,000,000 from Rick Hendrick, owner of NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports.

While the Geneva Motor Show C7 prototype is pictured above (it also was shown at Barrett-Jackson), Hendri9ck won rights to the first retail production model (VIN undetermined at this time), allowing him to choose both colour and options before his V8 sports car rolls off the assembly line in the near future.  Hopefully, by the time that happens, we will all know more about its soft convertible top, double-bubble tonneau and the mechanism that opens and lowers the fully automatic roof at speeds upwards of 50 km/h.

It is worth mentioning that proceeds from the sale of this first C7 droptop will benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States that strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer.  The General Motors Foundation is a longtime supporter of Karmanos, with nearly US$6 million in support over the last 15 years.

2013 BEST CARS FOR FAMILIES

By Dan Roth, Autoblog.com - Enthusiasts are all talk.  The best-selling cars are rarely the ones that set our hearts aflutter, and that's because while we're ogling glossy pictures of lust-worthy automobiles, Mr. and Mrs. Average Family are ponying up the money to actually park a new rig in the driveway.  For these family-focused buyers, the wants and needs are different than the set of requirements you start listing when you want to go weekend autocrossing.

With that in mind, a recent report has set about naming the best family vehicle across 19 categories for 2013.  "With such a broad range of award winners," says Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News Best Cars, "any family can find the best car for their lifestyle."

The rankings result in a strong showing for General Motors, and the winners are nearly split right down the middle between foreign and domestic nameplates.  Even given the workaday mission of family vehicles, there are still some winners we'd gladly pilot as the kids trash the interior.

See the press release with full results below.

 

U.S. News Announces the 2013 Best Cars for Families

 

13 brands win awards across 19 categories; General Motors has the most winnersWASHINGTON, D.C. - March 12, 2013 - U.S. News & World Report today announced the 2013 Best Cars for Families award winners, featured at www.usnews.com/cars-families.  Covering 19 categories, the awards highlight the vehicles that provide the best combination of quality, features and space that today's families need.

The awards, and the U.S. News Best Cars website, are published by U.S. News & World Report, which has a long history of helping Americans make the best choices when it comes to higher education, healthcare, and other important consumer decisions.  More than 27 million people researched vehicles on the website in 2012.

"We created the Best Cars for Families awards to make it easier for parents to find cars, SUVs and vans that will help make their lives easier," said Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News Best Cars.  "With such a broad range of award winners, any family can find the best car for their lifestyle."

2013 BEST CARS FOR FAMILIES

Compact Cars:  2013 Chevrolet CruzeUpscale Small Cars:  2013 Buick VeranoHatchbacks:  2013 Toyota PriusMidsize Cars:  2013 Ford FusionUpscale Midsize Cars:  2013 Acura TLFull-size Cars:  2013 Buick LaCrosseLuxury Full-Size Cars:  2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Hybrid Cars:  2013 Ford Fusion HybridWagons:  2013 Subaru OutbackCompact SUVs:  2013 Honda CR-VLuxury Compact SUVs:  2013 Audi Q52-Row Midsize SUVs:  2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee3-Row Midsize SUVs:  2013 Chevrolet TraverseLuxury 2-Row Midsize SUVs:  2013 Lexus RX350Luxury 3-Row SUVs:  2013 Lincoln MKTFull-Size SUVs:  2013 Chevrolet SuburbanLuxury Full-Size SUVs:  2013 Cadillac EscaladeHybrid SUVs:  2013 Toyota Highlander HybridMinivans:  2013 Honda Odyssey
METHODOLOGY

The Best Cars for Families awards combine quality, size and family-friendly features into a composite score.  Within each of the 19 categories, the vehicle with the highest score is named the Best Car for Families in that category.  Quality is measured using a weighted average of scores from the U.S. News rankings at the time the awards are published.  The rankings compare cars on the basis of safety, reliability and a consensus of automotive critics' opinions.  Size is based on a vehicle's seating capacity and interior space.  For family-friendly features, we factor in the availability of features deemed to be helpful to families by U.S. News editors.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2013 AWARDS

General Motors took home the most awards with six of its models across three of its brands as winners: Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Cruze, Buick Verano and Cadillac Escalade.

The award winners are mixed between foreign and domestic automakers.  Import brands took home nine awards while domestic brands took home ten.

This year is the first year that Chevrolet, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lincoln have won Best Car for Families Awards.

The Honda CR-V, Honda Odyssey, Lexus RX-350 and Toyota Highlander Hybrid have won Best Car for Families awards for three years running.

2014 CHEVY IMPALA PRODUCTION COMMENCES IN OSHAWA

 

By Seyth Miersma, Autoblog.com - Production of the tenth-generation Chevrolet Impala began today on April Fools' Day, with the first 2014 model rolling off the line at the company's Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant.  The new Impala, which will be produced at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck plant in addition to the Oshawa plant, is expected to make an appearance in showrooms later this month.  Impala assembly in Detroit will begin in May of this year.

The full-size Impala will come to market with an engine lineup that includes a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a 2.4-litre four with the company's eAssist mild hybrid technology, and the 3.6-litre V6 that we sampled a few weeks ago.  Sadly for the trivia buffs among us, Chevy didn't provide any specification information or other facts about the first-ever 2014 Impala.

See below for Chevy's brief press release.

Production begins for 2014 Chevrolet Impala

OSHAWA, Ontario - The all-new 2014 Impala, Chevrolet's flagship sedan, began driving off the line at Oshawa Assembly today.  The Impala will begin arriving in Chevrolet showrooms this month.

"The all-new Impala demonstrates the new direction of Chevrolet," said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM Canada.  "Our employees in Oshawa have executed a flawless plan in bringing this iconic nameplate to life.  The newly designed Impala will exceed customers' expectations because of the hard work of our employees at Oshawa Assembly."

The 2014 Impala will also be manufactured at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, starting in May.

The 2014 Impala has several new features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and crash-avoidance technologies like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert.  Ten standard airbags are included -- among the most in the segment.

Chevrolet's latest MyLink radio debuts in the 2014 Impala.  The in-vehicle entertainment system includes a customizable eight-inch color display screen.  The system also adopts natural voice recognition -- a first for Chevrolet.

Three direct-injection engine choices will be available: 1 3.6L V-6, a newly designed 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder with fuel-saving eAssist technology estimated to deliver up to 35 mpg on highway driving.  All engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is built at Oshawa's state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing line along with the Chevrolet Camaro, Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS.

FEWER THAN 1 IN 3 CHEVY DEALERS EARN RIGHT TO INITIALLY SELL C7 CORVETTE

 

By Jeffrey N. Ross, Autoblog.com - Looking to make the launch of the 2014 Corvette Stingray as efficient as possible, Chevrolet will be limiting the numbers of its dealers that can sell the all-new coupe and convertible.  According to Automotive News, sales of the C7 Corvette will initially be limited to less than a third of Chevy's total dealership network when the 'Vette goes on sale this summer.

The reason for this is so that there are no shortages at dealers that can actually get the cars sold.  The article says that the 900 dealerships chosen in the US represented 80 per cent of total Corvette sales in 2012.

Some of the requirements dealers had to make to get initial allocation of Stingray sales include having sold at least four Corvettes in 2012 and having a Corvette Stingray specialist who will be required to have gone through a training session costing more than $2,000 per attendee.  Once demand for the 2014 Corvette Stingray begins to subside -- approximately six to nine months after it goes on sale -- then allocation could open up to more dealers, but the report indicates this could happen following the 2014 model year.

2014 CHEVY SILVERADO HIGH COUNTRY SPIED WEARING TRAPPINGS OF NEW LUXURY TRIM

 

By Zach Bowman, Autoblog.com - Spy photographers have spotted the new Chevrolet Silverado High Country and GMC Sierra Denali out on public streets for a little testing.  From the looks of things, the Silverado will receive a much-differentiated front fascia along with special badges and those honking 20-inch chrome wheels.  Expect to find a more posh interior as well.  Likewise, the Sierra Denali will wear a tweaked nose with the familiar Denali bling.  One of the GMC trucks spotted here rolls on 21-inch gunmetal wheels instead of the 20-inch chrome pieces of the High Country.

Word has it both trucks will go on sale after the all-American Texas State Fair this summer.  While General Motors hasn't said for certain what we can expect to find under the hood, we'd be surprised to see anything outside of the range of engines found in the standard Silverado and Sierra models.  That means buyers should be able to get their hands on the fuel efficient 5.3-litre V8.