Mazda expands production of the CX-3 to a third plant, to meet global demand of the model.

• Move enhances automaker’s ability to meet growing demand for SUVs globally

Mazda Motor Corporation announced yesterday that the company began production of the Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV yesterday at Hofu Plant No.1 in Yamaguchi, Japan. The move strengthens the automaker’s supply system for SUV vehicles, demand for which continues to grow globally.

Hofu Plant becomes the third production facility to manufacture the CX-3, following Ujina Plant No.1 (in Hiroshima), where production began in December 2014, and AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., where production began in October last year.

Domestic production of the CX-3 has until now been confined to Ujina Plant No.1, which also produces the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9. 

Moving a portion of CX-3 production to Hofu enhances the company’s ability to supply these models and respond quickly and flexibly to growing demand for SUVs globally. 

Bringing CX-3 production online at Hofu went smoothly thanks to Mazda’s Bundled Product Planning¹ and Common Architecture Concept,² key components of the company’s Monotsukuri Innovation initiatives in product planning and production.

Mazda is aiming to create a flexible production system capable of producing up to 50 percent crossover vehicles as the company works to meet its global sales goal of 1.65 million units, as laid out in its Structural Reform Stage 2 medium-term business plan (covering the period from fiscal year ending (FYE) March 2017 through FYE March 2019).

“We’re aiming for a production system that gives us more flexibility in terms of plants and models, so we can get our cars to customers around the world as quickly as possible,” said Masatoshi Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer in charge of global production. “Achieving this will help create a stronger foundation for our business.”

Mazda will continue its efforts to enrich people’s lives through a variety of touchpoints, including high-quality vehicle production, and become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.

1    A planning method that looks at trends five to ten years ahead, identifies what products and technologies will be needed, and creates a comprehensive plan for all products to be sold during the period. Bundled Product Planning identifies what elements can be common to all vehicles and what elements need to be unique to each carline. The aim is to maximize the individual appeal of each model at the same time as creating common vehicle structures and manufacturing processes that enable the efficient manufacture of various future products.

2    Under the Common Architecture concept, the core characteristics of each component are common across all car lines regardless of segment or engine displacement. Parts for different models differ in size, but share the same design characteristics, making it possible to develop and produce a variety of products using the same processes.

USA - Honda launches the new 2017 Fit subcompact, one of the best car's available for the money

• One of Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2016
• Named both "Best Hatchback for the Money" and "Best Subcompact Car for the Money" by U.S. News & World Report

On-sale starting tomorrow, the 2017 Honda Fit marks its 10th anniversary in America as the third generation of Honda's versatile 5-door subcompact hatchback, first introduced to the U.S. in 2006 as a 2007 model. 

The Honda Fit has continued to receive accolades as a standout in the subcompact category, recently earning praise from U.S. News & World Report as Best Hatchback for the Money, and one ofAmerica's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2016 by KBB.com.

For the 2017 model year, Lunar Silver metallic replaces Alabaster Silver metallic in the exterior color palette. 

Fit starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,9901 while continuing to offer the functionality, fun and refinement that defines the model together with modern styling, a dynamic driving experience and available technology and luxury features.

Versatility

Fundamental to its design, the 2017 Fit offers class-leading passenger volume, cargo volume (52.7 cu ft. with rear seats down), and versatility, courtesy of its center-mounted fuel tank and ingenious Magic Seat®. 

The Fit epitomizes smart functionality with spacious and comfortable seating for five and the ability to carry voluminous cargo, including long and tall items. 

The interior features a remarkable 95.7 cubic feet in passenger volume and 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room. To put this in perspective, Honda Fit's rear legroom is more generous than most midsize cars – in some instances offering nearly four more inches of legroom to rear-seat passengers.              

Chassis & Powertrain

A highly space-efficient body structure pairs with the chassis for a rigid and lightweight platform with a long wheelbase, providing sporty handling with a steering linearity that gives the driver a sense of oneness with the vehicle. 

The Fit's fun-to-drive character includes acceleration performance provided by the Earth Dreams™ Technology engine mated to either of two transmissions – a slick-shifting 6-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Shift Control, increasing both performance and fuel efficiency. 

The 1.5L 4-cylinder engine has a DOHC cylinder head with i-VTEC+VTC valve and timing control plus direct fuel injection, the first use of such a system in a Honda subcompact. The engine delivers 130 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 114 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm (both SAE net).

Fuel Economy

The Fit has an EPA fuel-economy rating² of 29/36/32 (city/highway/combined) for the manual transmission, 33/40/36 for the LX trim with CVT and 32/37/34 for the EX and EX-L trim with CVT. 

The 6MT optimizes close individual ratios to aid performance while offering a wide overall range to improve fuel efficiency. The CVT enhances engine responsiveness, providing quick and smooth acceleration while improving fuel efficiency with a wide ratio range and low internal friction.

Exterior

Providing an outward expression of the 2017 Fit's handling and power is a sporty exterior design. A progressive and purposeful style is achieved by the slim headlights that integrate into a solid grille design, an aggressive lower intake and the linear slope of the hood and windshield. 

The purposeful style continues with the strong design of the chiseled sides that emphasize the wheels and the dynamically tapered roofline ending in a color-matched spoiler. To accentuate the exterior styling, the Fit is available in eight colors, including several vibrant options.

Interior

Inside, the Fit's interior room and visibility create a sense of airy spaciousness, which is complemented by soft-touch materials that raise the feeling of quality. The rich and sophisticated black with silver accented design of the interior surfaces and controls, and blue backlit instrument dials are stylish and functional. 

The Fit's available Display Audio touchscreen interface and leather seating (EX-L models) further increase its premium feel.

For 2017, the Fit again aligns with other Honda models by being offered in LX, EX, and EX-L trims, each with a higher spec than the previous equivalent trim. Standard features on all Fit models include auto on-off headlights, LED brake lights, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a center storage console with armrest. 

Items such as Smart Entry Push Button Start, a one-touch operated moonroof, 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio with next-generation HondaLink, and heated leather seats are among the upgrades available in the Fit.

Safety Performance

The Fit also features a long list of standard safety features. That list includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. 

The Fit also received the 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard drive-assistive features on all trims include a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines; the Honda LaneWatch™ display is standard on EX and above trims.

Pricing and EPA Ratings

2017 Fit Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Trim	Transmission	MSRP1	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings2(city/highway/combined)
LX	6MT	$15,990	29  /  36  /  32
LX	CVT	$16,790	33  /  40  /  36
EX	6MT	$17,900	29  /  36  /  32
EX	CVT	$18,700	32  /  37  /  34
EX-L	CVT	$20,265	32  /  37  /  34
EX-L w/ Navi	CVT	$21,265	32  /  37  /  34

USA - FCA celebrates with no fewer than 6 models achieving praise, awards, & best buys at Consumers Digest awards.

• Jeep® Renegade achieves a ‘Best Buy’ in the new Subcompact SUVs segment
• Jeep Grand Cherokee named a ‘Best Buy’ for six consecutive years
• Dodge Challenger earns its second ‘Best Buy’ and Dodge Durango repeats for fifth consecutive year
• Chrysler 300 earns fourth ‘Best Buy’ award
• Fiat 500 is five-time honoree in Subcompact segment

The results are in for the Consumers Digest “Best Buys” for 2016 model year and several FCA US brands are driving away with accolades. The 2016 Jeep® Renegade earned a spot on Consumers Digest’s list of automotive ‘Best Buys,’ joining five award winners from FCA US LLC. This marks the debut of the Jeep Renegade as a first-time contestant and a winner in the new category of Subcompact SUVs.

"In the inaugural year of Consumers Digest's review and recommendation of subcompact SUVs, it's notable that the Jeep Renegade was the only model in the segment that emerged as a Best Buy during the first phase of our evaluation process," said Rich Dzierwa, Editor-in-Chief, Consumers Digest.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee (Mid-size SUV), Dodge Challenger (Sporty Cars), Dodge Durango (Full-size SUV), Chrysler 300 (Luxury Cars) and Fiat 500 (Subcompacts) are 2016 “Best Buy” award recipients, in addition to the arrival of the new Jeep Renegade (Subcompact SUV).

Consumers Digest selects "Best Buys" by identifying vehicles that deliver the most value for the money within their segment; value is determined by purchase price and ownership costs, as well as comfort, performance and utility among other factors. 

The automotive editors at Consumers Digest drive "Best Buy" contenders in a range of circumstances and conditions to evaluate vehicle characteristics, such as acceleration, ride quality, fuel economy, fit and finish, styling and interior ergonomics.

About Jeep Renegade

The 2016 Jeep Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.

About Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most-awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features, as well as a Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit’s premium exterior aesthetics.

A refined exterior design — complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) — provides a premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique color offerings.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland and Summit.

About Dodge Challenger

The Dodge brand’s Challenger muscle-car arsenal is reloaded as the most complete model lineup with 10 trim levels, ranging from the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat to the 305-horsepower, 30 mpg 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6-powered SXT model. All 2016 Dodge Challenger models are designed and engineered for world-class precision and outstanding performance.

The 10 available trim levels for the 2016 Dodge Challenger include: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus, R/T Plus Shaker, R/T Scat Pack, 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat.

About Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango’s combination of uncompromised utility, advanced technology, class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics and aggressive styling make it the Dodge Charger of the SUV segment. 

For the 2016 model year, the Durango lineup features new exterior appearance packages, new upgrades to its class-exclusive Uconnect system, a new standard wheel on each model and four all-new paint colors.

For 2016, all Dodge Durango models now offer Sport mode capability, which drivers can select for a more responsive driving experience. Turning on Sport mode changes the steering calibration, pedal calibration and shift pattern to further enhance the Durango’s outstanding on-road driving performance.

About Chrysler 300

With roots that date back to 1925, the Chrysler brand is proud to celebrate its anniversary with the Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition. 

And like the founding father's mission to deliver style, sophistication, quality and engineering excellence – all at an attainable value – the Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition builds on the 300 Limited model’s long list of standard features. 

This limited-edition sedan adds the innovative Uconnect 8.4AN with the segment’s largest 8.4-inch touchscreen display,   3-D GPS navigation, AM/FM/HD radio, SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth, Uconnect Access, plus SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link. 

The package also includes the segment’s largest dual-pane sunroof and HomeLink universal transceiver. And to make sure this Chrysler 300 is unique, commemorative 90th Anniversary Edition appointments include a startup splash screen logo and premium floor mats with an embroidered logo.

About Fiat 500/500c

Beautiful Italian styling combined with functionality, efficient design and innovative technology have been hallmark attributes for the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), making it a timeless icon for nearly 60 years. 

And for 2016, the Fiat 500 will continue to deliver on these attributes by introducing new features and exterior paint colors to enhance the customer’s driving experience and personalization options.

For 2016, the Fiat 500 lineup features the Uconnect 5.0 system with a 5-inch touchscreen that enables handsfree calling via Bluetooth-equipped phones, as well as voice-command control of AM/FM, and optional SiriusXM Radio and navigation system. 

Digital music can be streamed wirelessly from compatible Bluetooth smartphones or audio players supported by a media hub equipped with an auxiliary jack and USB port that enables recharging and seamless operation of portable devices. An integrated CD player offers additional media flexibility.

Now and for the foreseeable future, Audi states that SUV's are it's top focus for the brand.

• Audi SUV sales in the U.S. jumped 24.1 percent in June year-over-year
• The company continues to focus on bringing new SUV models to the market and improving existing popular models
• Improved Q3 will soon be available, and all-new Q7 is due in early 2016

Audi posted an 8.3-percent sales increase in the United States for June, marking the 54th consecutive monthly sales record for the brand. But even more remarkable might have been another fact from the June sales report: Audi SUV sales rose by 24.1 percent over a year ago.

The SUV sales performance reflects the Audi line-up’s popularity with customers and suggests a positive future, given the company’s upcoming sport utility offerings.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, has made it clear that the company will be focusing on launches of crossovers and SUVs in the coming years, as forecasts show that the U.S. and global markets are further shifting toward utility vehicles.

Each SUV in the Audi U.S. lineup saw gains in June and during the first half of the year. Through June, sales of the Audi Q7 were 1.1 percent higher than a year earlier, with a 14.1-percent month-on-month surge in June. An all-new Q7 is set to go on sale in the U.S. early in 2016. Sales of the popular Q5 were 8.7 percent higher for the year; and Q3, a new nameplate, saw sales of more than 6,200 units in the U.S. market. The updated 2016 Q3 will be in dealerships late summer.

This popularity of its sport utility line is serving to extend and strengthen the Audi brand, because each Audi SUV expresses the spirit of Audi just as every sedan does.

“Regardless of the size of the SUV, we strive to be the most sought-after model in the segment,” he said. “Our SUVs are not utilitarian off-roaders; they are true premium vehicles, particularly in terms of interior fit and finish.”

Stadler has said that Audi plans to build a Q1 subcompact crossover beginning next year (it’s not expected to be offered in the U.S.), an electric-powered sporty SUV in 2018 and a new, flagship Audi Q8 SUV beginning in 2019.

“Globally, we will respond proactively to the growing number of customers who enjoy SUVs’ higher driving position and their sense of enhanced safety,” Stadler told the publication.

The company’s plans for more SUVs should continue to hit the sweet spot of rising demand for the vehicle type generally, and especially among premium consumers. Of course, there will be competition: Crossovers will account for 66 models, or 32 percent of the U.S. vehicle launches expected for the 2016 through 2019 model years, according to the latest annual “Car Wars” evaluation of the industry by Merrill Lynch.