The dream of owning a big American car may become a memory. Several media outlets are reporting large sedans could be cut because of consumer preference for crossovers, SUVs and trucks. Reuters is reporting GM is reviewing the fate of at least six passenger cars in the U.S, including the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala. An article in The Detroit News quotes sources saying production of the Ford Taurus for the U.S. could stop by the end of next year. The Detroit News points out even if the companies continue to sell the sedans in the U.S., they could be built in another country. Meantime, Hyundai has announced they’re pulling the Azera from the U.S. market.
The Renault-Nissan Group is now the world’s largest automaker. Forbes is reporting the Renault-Nissan Alliance reported half-year sales of 5,268,079 units. That beat Volkswagen by more than 112,000 vehicles. Keep in mind, these numbers are just for the first half of the year. Volkswagen was the world’s largest automaker last year.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled the new Phantom VIII. It’s powered by a new 570 horsepower 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that works with a ZF 8-speed transmission. Rolls-Royce says the all-new aluminum architecture is lighter, stiffer, quieter and more technologically advanced. There’s no official word on pricing.