CleanMPG

The General is getting serious about efficiency and capability again.

Mike Sefton – CleanMPG – Sept. 22, 2016

2018 Chevrolet Equinox – Pricing and EPA estimates TBA. However, one variant will arrive with a world class 1.6L Turbo Diesel with an estimated 40 mpg highway rating!

Chevrolet released some very interesting details on its upcoming all-new 2018 Equinox..

The new Equinox’s will include exterior highlights found in the 2016 and 2017 Volt, Malibu and Cruze with wind tunnel work to improve aero dramatically.

LED DRLs along with horizontal LED taillamps round out the list.

Inside a new lower windshield a better view. Denim like seat fabric will also be available. Although I have not seen it, GM stated there will be a “kneeling” rear seat where the bottom cushions tilt forward when the split-folding seatbacks are...

Using gasoline labeled "Top Tier" is a more useful way of ensuring better car performance…

Marisa Iati – NJ.com – Sept. 20, 2016

Drivers who pay extra for premium gas wasted $2.1 billion at the pumps last year, according a new study by AAA.

The research found that 16.5 million U.S. drivers put premium gas in cars that only require regular-grade gas. Those who opted for premium anyway got no extra benefit to vehicle performance, the study found.

"Drivers see the 'premium' name at the pump and may assume the fuel is better for their vehicle," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "AAA cautions drivers that...

With gas shortages on most Southeast citizens minds today, the upcoming Bolt could remove that worry.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 20, 2016

Remember the 2016 NAIAS in Detroit where we had a great first look – even if it was static - at the upcoming Bolt? The static interior and exterior looked great and felt good.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Powertrain Details -- “This could be the first BEV that makes sense.”

Last week the Bolt’s range was announced and it caused more than a little stir with at an incredible 238 miles of range.

Whooa, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Range = 238 Miles! -- GMs game changer has indeed changed the game.

2017 Bolt EV Pricing Announced...

The Land Rover's 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel possibly mated to a 10 speed AT...

Joseph Capparella – Car and Driver – Sept. 2016

Given our recent drive in the Land Rover Sport with the Td6, this will instantly become the most fuel efficient pickup in America... -- Ed.

This is the top-selling vehicle in America and it’ll be getting a bit of a facelift next year to keep things fresh... Expect new taillights, different wheel designs, and some minor interior tweaks as well...

The big news is the addition of a new diesel V-6 engine to go up against the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which is the only half-ton pickup that currently offers a compression-ignition option... There’s also a clear shot of the engine, which is the same 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine used in Land Rover...

GMs game changer has indeed changed the game.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 13, 2016

2017 Chevrolet Bolt – An estimated $35k to start not including all the tax and tax credit deals is small on the outside, big on the inside, technology ladened and will offer owners an EPA estimated 238 miles of all-electric range (AER).

That’s Huge!!!

From the release, Chevrolet promised to offer the first affordable electric vehicle with 200 miles or more of range and with this detail, they have easily succeeded. Or at least set the new high bar for everyone else to match. Meaning under 100-mile range BEVs just became NEVs.

The 2017 Bolt EV goes on sale later this year with an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles and I would not doubt 400 miles is well within its roundhouse....

Just weeks away and brings plenty to the table.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 12, 2016

2017 AWD Golf Alltrack S w/ the 6-speed MT - $27,730 to start including the $820 D&H charge offers up a 22/30 mpg city/highway rating with the 6-speed DSG.

VW released a ton of info on their upcoming 2017 Golf Alltrack based on the Golf Sportwagen but with a twist. It includes all the wonderful limited body roll, great on-center feel and compliant ride but with 4Motion AWD system.

The Golf Alltrack will be available in three trims—S, SE and SEL—and will be in dealer showrooms in October.

2017 VW Golf Alltrack Drivetrain

The Alltrack is powered by VW’s turbocharged and direct-injected 170 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque 1.8L TSI I4 matd to either a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic...

30 full BEV products coming to China.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 11, 2016

Wolfsburg, Germany -- VW Group and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC) announce they are putting in place the beginnings to jointly design and build battery electric vehicles in China.

VW AG and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. (JAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define the next phase of negotiations between the two companies in order to achieve long-term joint development of battery electric vehicles in China.

Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG:

It’s here and we cannot wait.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 9, 2016

2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid - Pricing TBA while offering owners a very attractive estimated 33/35 mpg city/highway rating. At least that is what Nissan reported.

Miami, Florida -- We have been waiting for this one since I saw its EPA ratings released in the data files. Well tonight at the Miami Auto Show, Nissan revealed more details.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid now provides a second powertrain choice for the brands compact CUV. Unlike the much anticipated FWD Kia Niro Hybrid and currently available AWD RAV4 Hybrid, the Rogue Hybrid will be available in both a FWD and AWD platform. The 2017 Rogue Hybrid includes the 2017 Rogue's mid-model year exterior and interior refresh , additional safety, security and...

First tough month for the quality award winning brand in quite some time.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

2016 Kia Rio LX with the 6-speed AT - $16,245 to start incl. the $850 D&H charge offers owners a 27/37 mpg city/highway rating.

Kia August 2016 Sales Overview

Kia achieved August sales of 54,248 vehicles, down 7.9 percent below the 58,897 sold in August of 2015. YTD sales of 442,544 are up 3.8 percent over the 426,160 sold through the same period of 2015.

Kia August 2016 Sales Highlights


The Rio, Forte and Sportage all had a great month.

Rio sales of 3,325 vehicles were up 91.8 percent over the 1,734 sold in August of 2015. YTD sales of 22,024 is up 17.2 percent over the 18,796 sold...

The brand called Subaru continues on its record setting ways.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

2017 AWD Subaru Impreza in an environment where it reigns supreme. – Pricing and EPA are TBA but given the current AWD Impreza has a 28/37 mpg rating, the next gen may touch 39 or even an incredible 40 mpg highway. If the Subaru engineers have achieved that level of efficiency, it would be the highest result of any mass produced AWD vehicle in US automotive history!

Subaru August 2016 Sales Overview

Subaru achieved record August US sales of 60,418 vehicle, up 14.7 percent over the 52,697 sold in August of 2015. August was the 30th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales and was the best-ever sales month in company history, breaking the previous sales record of 56,274 sold in...

CUVs take off while the bread and butter Elantra and Sonata have a tough month.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

2017 RWD Genesis G80 – 39,700 to start incl. the $950 D&H charge provides an 18/28 mpg city/highway rating.

It is large, loaded, safe, quiet, luxurious, loaded with technology, and alternative fuel powertrains are ahead.

Hyundai August 2016 Sales Overview

Hyundai achieved its best ever August sales results in history thanks to the new brand addition called Genesis.

August sales of 72,015 was up slightly over the 72,012 sold in August of 2015. YTD sales of 521,078 are up 1.3 percent over the 514,175 sold through the same period of 2015.

Hyundai’s new luxury division kicked off with sales of its new Genesis G80 mid-luxury sedan reaching 1,497 new owners.

Hyundai...

Rogue lead the brand while Frontier sold quickly!

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

This exact configuration can be picked up for $4k off on the West coast and $3k off on the East and in Midwest.

Nissan August 2016 Sales Overview

The Nissan Group (Nissan and Infiniti combined) sold 124,638 vehicles, down 6.5% from the 133,351 sold in August of 2015.

YTD sales of 1,055,227 are up 5.4 percent compared to the 1,000,706 vehicles sold through the same period of 2015.

Nissan August 2016 Sales Highlights


There were four Nissan standouts in August.

The Rogue set an August sales record with 32,979 sold, up 19.2 percent over the 27,665 sold in August of 2015. YTD sales of 215,160 is up 14.4 percent...

August sales following the industry while the CR-V is white hot!

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

2016 FWD Honda CR-V - $24,745 to start including the $900 D&H charge provides owners with a 26/33 mpg city/highway rating.

Honda August 2016 Sales Overview

Honda reported August sales of 149,571 Honda and Acura vehicles, down 3.8 percent from the 155,491 sold in August of 2015.

YTD sales of 1,094,725 is still up 3.8 percent over the 1,054,816 sold through the same period of 2015.

Honda trucks set a new August record with sales of 76,140, up 4.3 percent over the 73,008 sold in August of 2015.

Honda sales by themselves totaled 135,325 vehicles, down 3.5 percent from the 140,178 sold in August of 2015.

Acura sales of 14,246 vehicles were down 7 percent from the 15,313 sold in...

Jeep provided the sales punch for a positive sales month.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

2016 RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab w/ the award winning 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel - $42,240 to start and efficiency that will beat every single half-ton at the pump other than possibly the 17 F-150 with the 3.5L EB and 3.31 rear end or the two RAM 1500s with the 3.6L Pentastar and 3.0L EcoDiesel. $8k discounts are as easy to negotiate as asking for them.

FCA August 2016 Sales Overview

FCA sold 196,756 vehicles in the U.S. during August, up 3.1 percent over the 190,887 sold in August of 2015.

YTD sales of 1,522,292 is up 4.3 percent over the 1,460,164 sold through the same period of 2015.

FCA reported its US retail and fleet sales were 150,153 and 46,603 vehicles respectively in...

Toyota sales like the rest of the Big 6 took a hit in August.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Sept. 1, 2016

2016 Toyota AWD RAV4 Hybrid - $31,000 to start incl. the integrated SW NAVI with Entune Premium Audio and the $940 D&H charge offers owners a 34/30 mpg city/highway rating.

Toyota August 2016 Sales Overview

Toyota reported August 2016 sales of 213,125 vehicles, down 5.0 percent from 224,381 vehicles sold in August 2015.

YTD sales of 1,625,158 are down 2.9 percent from the 1,673,002 sold through the same period of 2015.

Toyota on its own achieved August sales of 182,187 vehicles, down 4.6 percent from the 190,894 sold in August of 2015.

Lexus posted August sales of 30,938 vehicles, down 7.6 percent from the 33,487 sold during August of 2015.

Toyota August 2016 Sales...