Valerie Menard

Valerie Menard is a freelance writer and published author with 16 years of reporting about the auto industry for Latino publications.

Rocsi Diaz Receives Honorary Hyundai Hope On Wheels Award

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Mar 312015

Rocsi Diaz

Hyundai Motor America and its nonprofit organization Hyundai Hope On Wheels was recently joined by Emmy Award-winning journalist, actress and TV personality Rocsi Diaz to kick off of its annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels national grant program during the New York International Auto Show.

Diaz will serve as a Celebrity Hope Ambassador. This honorary position is given to influencers willing to help bring awareness to this importance cause. Diaz is involved in multiple Hope On Wheels activities while in New York, including serving as the moderator for a high-profile mom blogger event and panel discussion hosted in partnership with The MOMS, New York City’s most influential blogger network targeting this important demographic. Diaz will leverage her experience and talent as a TV correspondent and anchor as well as her strong digital following to create awareness for pediatric cancer. A strong supporter of philanthropic efforts, Diaz also has her own nonprofit organization RocStar Foundation, which raises money to build and refurbish schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina in her native New Orleans.

“We commend Rocsi for her charitable efforts and are grateful that she will join the fight against pediatric cancer alongside Hyundai Hope On Wheels this week as a Hope Ambassador,” said Zafar Brooks, program director, Hyundai Hope On Wheels. “Her strong social presence and willingness to be involved will aid in boosting awareness for our program and this worthwhile cause.”

“Childhood cancer is an important issue that should command more attention,” said

Diaz. “I’m proud to participate in Hyundai Hope On Wheel’s launch activities. I’m moved that Hyundai has been helping kids fight cancer for 17 years and I’m delighted to share that this year they will surpass $100 million in funding groundbreaking research aimed at finding a cure because one child fighting cancer is one child too many.”

Hyundai Hope On Wheels will carry on its “Just One Wish” campaign theme from last year. This theme is designed to convey the mission of the organization to end childhood cancer. The campaign connects thousands of families affected by the disease via social media. Parents who visit the Hyundai Hope On Wheels website and social media channels can join the effort by posting a photo of their child and sharing their own stories of courage and hope. The goal of the Just One Wish campaign is to show the collective wish of a cure for pediatric cancer. Families can join the effort by visiting the Hope On Wheels website under the section “we win together” or by posting a photo on social media @HopeOnWheels, using hashtags #EndChildhoodCancer and #HopeOnWheels.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.

2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium

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Mar 272015

What defines an American car? Is it where it’s made or who profits from the sale of it? Made at the company’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, part of a $7 billion investment by the company in the North American market, the Volkswagen Passat sedan still maintains a decidedly European DNA.

On a recent test drive of the 2015 Passat V6 SEL Premium in Austin for Latino Traffic Report, I found the sedan to be elegant and nimble.

The largest Passat built to date, it measures 191.6 inches with a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, offering plenty of space for five adults. It’s easy to get in and out too, with large, wide-opening doors.

The test model sits at the top of the model lineup that includes five trim levels, but even the base model, 1.8T S, includes a driver’s seat that adjusts eight ways, including lumbar. The SEL test model included heated front seats with suede inserts.

A powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with 280 horses powers the SEL. Matched to a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, it has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. During the weeklong test drive, I averaged 27.4 mpg.

There are two, more fuel-efficient engines offered, a 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four cylinder, and the new 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel as well as five- and six-speed manual transmissions.

The new electro-mechanical power steering gives the Passat responsive handling, perfectly weighted to provide a balance between highway speeds, and parking speeds.

Every 2015 Passat comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, a tire pressure monitor, and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that automatically unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel pump, and even turns on the hazard warning lights in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, a blind spot monitor is unavailable, even on the SEL.

Standard features on the base model include air-conditioning, hill hold control for the five-speed manual transmission version, steering wheel controls, AM/FM stereo with a CD player and six speakers, Bluetooth technology, and a 60/40 split rear seat.

The SEL adds foglights, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, partial leather seating surfaces (not sure why Volkswagen didn’t go with all-leather), keyless access with push-button start, navigation, the Fender Premium Audio System, wood grain interior, interior chrome accents, and chrome dual exhaust tips.

It also comes with an iPod cable and interestingly, it recognized my iPod Nano unlike other models and brands that no longer do.

Pricing for this American-made German sedan starts at $22,160. The as-tested price for the Passat SEL came to $36,480.

Toyota Celebrates Milestone in Latino Market

Noticias 1 Response »

Mar 182015

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota recently held a special private show in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Martin for loyal Latino Toyota owners. The event celebrated a milestone for Toyota as the No. 1 automotive brand in the Hispanic market for a decade.

To demonstrate its appreciation of that loyalty, the the world’s largest automaker recognized Latino owners as its special guests. Ricky Martin showcased his spectacular talent, performing his greatest hits and music from his new album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar, to a full-capacity crowd at Nokia Theatre L.A.

“We wanted to thank them for making Toyota their favorite brand for the past ten years. We couldn’t have found a more fitting partner than Ricky Martin who also understands the power of Latino loyalty,” commented Jack Hollis, group vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Through the years, Toyota has understood the importance of the Latino community, locating its Tundra truck plant in San Antonio, supporting Latino non-profit organizations like the National Council of La Raza, and creating culturally relevant campaigns. Most notably, Toyota launched a recent campaign called “More Than a Car,” or “Más Que Un Auto,” a program that acknowledges the role vehicles play in the everyday lives of Latino consumers.

The campaign recognizes that drivers see their cars as members of their families and give their vehicles nicknames. For instance, customers can order customized nameplates through the website www.masqueunauto.com to be mailed to them at no cost. Tens of thousands of people have ordered the 3-D-printed nameplates, which allow them to demonstrate their love for their trusted companion and immortalize its place in the family.

“In creating the campaign, our challenge was to find an idea that could truly express the love between the Latino consumer and the brand. For them, their Toyotas are almost members of their families. Once the team uncovered this insight, the execution took shape quickly,” said Javier Campopiano, Chief Creative Officer at Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner. “Today, engagement continues, owners are sharing their stories through Toyota Latino social channels and this campaign – developed to thank Latino owners for their support – celebrates the long-standing relationship between Toyota and the Latino community.”

2015 Honda Fit EX-L

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Mar 072015

Stretching a dollar never goes out of style, even when gasoline prices drop to new lows. Still very much married to the economy car market, Honda redesigned its popular subcompact hatchback, the Fit, for 2015.

As it did when first introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, the new Fit continues to offer versatility and fuel economy in a cute affordable package. On a recent weeklong test drive of the Fit EX-L in Austin, the nimble subcompact slipped into the urban lifestyle like a glove.

Economy cars tend to be light on style and heavy on value but the Fit elevates its class with flair as well as function. On the outside, a roofline spoiler, slimmer headlights, LED taillights, and a segment-exclusive rearview multi-angle camera are standard on all Fits for a starting price just $100 more than the outgoing model.

Enhanced versatility begins with a larger interior that includes seating for five and 60/40 split rear seats that expand to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo room when folded flat.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower commands all Fits. It can be matched to two new transmissions—a six-speed manual (available on LX and EX models only) or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Shift Control for improved fuel economy.

With the combination of the new engine and transmissions, the Fit has an EPA estimated fuel-economy rating of 29 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, 33/41 mpg for the LX trim with the CVT, and 32/38 mpg for the EX and EX-L trim with the CVT. During the one-week test drive, I averaged 34.6 mpg.

Blue backlit instrument dials that turn green to signal fuel-efficient driving via the Eco-Assist System, further enhance fuel economy and the driving experience.

The new Fit also achieved its goal of winning the highest available crash-safety ratings—a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program.

Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and an expanded view driver’s mirror, among others.

Seven-inch touchscreen display with next generation Honda Link

The Honda LaneWatch display, that displays a camera view of the right passing lane when the blinker is engaged, is standard on EX and above trims. It’s neat to look at, but a little distracting and not as effective as a blind spot alert system.

Standard creature comforts include air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a center storage console with an armrest, illuminated steering wheel controls, and an AM/FM/CD/ stereo with an MP3 auxiliary jack.

As the top-of-the-line model, the EX-L also includes the first-ever heated leather seating, a Smart Entry Push Button Start, a one-touch operated moonroof, and a seven-inch touchscreen Display Audio with next-generation HondaLink. While the touch-screen looks good, it’s not as intuitive as I would like—I still prefer knobs for volume and tuning control, which are available on the LX.

All Fits sold in the U.S. will be produced for the first time in North America at the all-new plant in Celaya, Mexico.

Pricing for the 2015 Honda Fit starts at $16,470. The as-tested price on the EX-L came to $20,5990.

Long-term Review: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage

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Feb 272015

In the auto industry, more and more good things are coming in small packages. The newest addition comes from Mitsubishi with its all-new sub-compact, the 2014 Mirage.

I attended the launch last year in Canada but later was given the chance for an extended test over three months.

The little five-door hatchback offers seating for five plus the versatility of fold flat seats for added cargo room. The biggest selling point for this little cutie, however, is its fuel economy. It made the “Greenest Vehicles List” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and achieved an amazing 74.1 miles per gallon (mpg) in a driver challenge held by Mitsubishi. The potential fuel savings in a non-hybrid vehicle carries great appeal.

The Mirage and a field of Texas Paint Brush wildflowers.

The Automotive Science Group (ASG) named the Mirage the 2014 “Best All-Around Performance Award” winner—the organization’s highest award—along with the 2014 “Best Environmental Performance Award” in the mini-compact class for the 2014 model year. Most recently, the Mirage was also named “the most affordable vehicle shoppers can buy” by Cars.com.

The ASG’s analysis, “found the Mirage to hold the smallest environmental footprint, not only in its class, but also of any conventionally powered model year 2014 automobile available in the North American market.”

Powered by a three-cylinder 1.2-liter engine, the Mirage should earn an EPA estimated 37 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 44 mpg on the highway with the optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Mirage ES that I drove came with the CVT and on a road trip to San Antonio, it reached an average 45.8 mpg. I beat that record later while driving around town when it reached 50.1 mpg.

The standard five-speed manual should earn an EPA estimated city/highway mpg of 34/42. A manual is always a plus with these leetle cars. The 1.2-liter produces a modest 74 horses with 72 lb.–ft. of torque and with the CVT, it’s loud and struggles sometimes to accelerate. I did appreciate the standard ECO light indicator that helps encourage fuel-efficient driving. My total accrued mileage came to 2839.3 and in that time I spent $183.85 on gasoline, or 53.49 gallons.

The test model did include the optional navigation system ($900) that comes with a back-up camera and a touch screen display. Even on a little car, extra visibility, especially parked between SUVs in a parking lot, comes in handy.

Purple cloth seats.

The navigation system does trump the mode button on the steering wheel so that it only turns the radio on and off and does not scroll through the radio preset groups, e.g. FM 1, FM 2, and AM, and it replaces the volume and tuning knobs with up and down toggles on the touch screen. This threw me for such a loop that I took it to the local dealership, Roger Beasely Mitsubishi, to make sure it wasn’t broken. Great service, by the way, from service department manager James Henson and mechanic Roy Medillon.

While the interior is rather plain, aside from the purple cloth seats, the touch screen for radio controls on the fully loaded version was refreshingly intuitive and simple to use. XM radio, however, was not included nor is it available and more than once, the navigation system took me on routes that I knew to be incorrect.

Other idiosyncrasies included a push start button located on the left side of the steering wheel, no vanity mirror on the front passenger side, and a light adjuster for the instrument cluster that was counter intuitive.

Backup camera.

The Mirage is well equipped with safety features including traction control active stability control, airbags including knee protection, and keyless entry with panic alarm.

For a first-time car buyer, the Mirage has great appeal as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact with versatility. The rear seats folded easily and offered 47 cubic feet of cargo room. Without the seats deployed, there’s still 17.2 cubic feet of space to hold grocery bags.

Mitsubishi goes back to basics with the Mirage, and while it is a bit plain, the fuel savings, affordability, and nice list of standard and available features, were mighty impressive.

Pricing for the 2014 Mirage starts at $13,790 but the as-tested price Mirage ES, considered fully loaded, was $16,890.

HACR Honors GM Engineers

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Feb 252015

Each year, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) holds a symposium highlighting the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers (YHCA) Program, which was created in 2007 to spotlight young Hispanics who have shown exceptional leadership qualities and capabilities within their corporation.

In 2014, two of GM’s Latina Engineers were among an elite group of recipients who received the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. With more than 200 nominees, only 36 Hispanic professionals received the 2014 YHCA Award. Among the recipients were Diana Ortega, Quality Launch Manager from GM’s Detroit Hamtramck plant and Nydia Correa, who works on GM Product Engineering Quality. This year’s class was impressive, as 50 percent were Latinas. “I’m very grateful to GM and HACR for such an incredible learning and networking experience! To have met so many talented, civic minded and driven, young Hispanic professionals has been truly inspiring and empowering”, said Nydia Correa.

Recipients of the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. Photo courtesy of HACR.

GM employees had an opportunity to participate in a series of forums, which included the Corporate Executive Forum, the Corporate Directors Summit and the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers. Leaders from across the country came together to experience business sessions, training events, and listen to presentations from other companies.

Grace Lieblein, GM Vice President of Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain, participated in the Corporate Director’s summit and provided remarks at the Corporate Executive Forum. Newly retired Executive Director of Quality, Joe Ponce, also participated in the conference. Alma Crossley, Director of Corporate Diversity and George Velez, Legal Process Global Leader, represented General Motors in the Corporate Executive Forum.

The training program included team building activities and powerful networking sessions. One of the many highlights of the YHCA Program was Dr. Juana Bordas’ (HACR YHCA Program Lead and CEO of Mestiza Leadership Intl.) moving presentation of pivotal moments in the history and evolution of Hispanics since the 1950’s. All participants then shared their personal stories on the impact and influence these major historical events had in their individual cultural upbringing, values and future goals.

Grace Lieblein vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

“The Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers program has been so motivational, personally and professionally. The additional skills I have acquired were applied as early as the first day back as a leader. I’m ready to make a greater impact in my professional career and community”, said Diana Ortega.

HACR is an organization founded in 1986, whose mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with economic contributions. It is one of the most influential Hispanic advocacy groups in the nation representing 16 national Hispanic organizations, including NCLR, LULAC, NAHP, and USHCC. HACR activities provide opportunities to engage and share GM key messaging to many leaders in the both the non-profit arena, as well as Corporate America. GM has been a longstanding partner of HACR over the years and has contributed over a half million dollars to HACR since 1995.

Click to watch the 2014 HACR YHCA Recap Video.

Honda Vehicle Recall–Takata Airbags

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Feb 252015

2002 Honda Civic

Honda will voluntarily expand a regional Safety Improvement Campaign initiated in June 2014 (NHTSA No. 14V-351) into a national Safety Improvement Campaign affecting certain 2001 through 2011 Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States to replace the driver frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. Honda is expanding this Safety Improvement Campaign to address concerns raised by its customers whose vehicles were not included in the regional campaign. With this expansion, a total of approximately 5.4 million vehicles (including vehicles previously included in the regional action) will be covered by 14V-351. Vehicles already repaired pursuant to 14V-351 will not require further repair.

As part of an ongoing industry investigation, Honda has been working in cooperation with Takata, the supplier of the airbag inflators, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remove and test frontal airbag inflators installed in certain Honda and Acura vehicles in 11 U.S. states and territories (Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands). Honda has been participating in that investigation because of an apparent correlation between the long term exposure to high absolute humidity, which is common in most of those states and territories, and the possibility that a frontal airbag inflator produced by Takata could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment and then rupture. If a driver frontal airbag inflator ruptures, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material possibly causing serious injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.

2003 Honda Element

To date, Takata’s testing of driver frontal airbag inflators removed from vehicles subject to 14V-351 has not yet resulted in any abnormal deployments. Honda is aware of a May 2014 rupture of a driver frontal airbag inflator in a vehicle in California that was not covered by any of the driver frontal airbag recalls initiated between 2008 and 2011. Neither Honda nor Takata has made a determination that a safety defect exists in the driver frontal airbag inflators that are installed in vehicles included in the expanded 14V-351. Honda hopes that the expansion of this action nationwide will both address customer concerns and further assist in the ongoing industry investigation of abnormal airbag deployments in the vehicles from all affected manufacturers.

Honda is announcing this action to encourage owners to take their vehicles to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer as soon as they receive notification from Honda or Acura. Mailed notification to customers in the original regional Safety Improvement Campaign began in September, and additional mailed notification letters will be sent to registered owners over time, prioritized by geographic area in the order of highest perceived risk.The most-updated available consumer information about this action is obtainable at www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owners, and selecting option 4.

Summary of Affected Models (Certain specific vehicles only):

2001-2007 Honda Accord with 4-cylinder engines
2001-2002 Honda Accord with V6 engines
2001-2005 Honda Civic
2002-2006 Honda CR-V
2003-2011 Honda Element
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
2003-2007 Honda Pilot
2006 Honda Ridgeline
2003-2006 Acura MDX
2002-2003 Acura TL
2002 Acura CL

Views and News from Chicago

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Feb 202015

The 2015 Chicago Auto Show media preview revealed all-new products, concepts, and marketing projections from domestic and import car makers.

There were interesting concepts from Nissan (the 350 Z Nismo Roadster and GT-R LP NISMO Racer-pictured), Mitsubishi (the GC-Phev), and Kia (Trail’Ster AWD).

New products included the 2016 Kia Rio, 2016 Honda Pilot, 2016 Chevy Equinox and 2015 Silverado Custom, and 2016 Acura RDX.

Ram made the most impressive showing with its all-new luxury truck model, the 2015 Laramie Limited. Motivated by growing sales volumes in the premium truck segment, Bob Hegbloom, president and CEO, Ram Truck Brand—FCA US LLC, shared that premium models now taks up 38 percent of Ram 1500 sales and 44 percent of the Ram 3500 series sell for more than $60,000.

The new Ram will set itself apart by more than just its price tag. Gone is the crosshair grille, replaced instead with a billet port configuration. Chrome is heavily featured on the outside, from the grille to the oversized Ram badge on the tailgate. The interior looks exceptional, with accent stitching, piping, and real wood accents. Mighty fancy!

The 2015 Laramie Limited will be available across the lineup, i.e. 1500–3500, and with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine on the 1500 that earns a best-in-class 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Toyota also showed new products with special edition versions of its Corolla, Camry, and Avalon. Made in the U.S.A., the special editions will be offered in a red, white, and blue color palette. 2015-02-13 11.00.04 Hyundai showed refreshed versions of the 2016 Elantra GT and Veloster, as well as a special edition of the Veloster Rally (right-pictured with Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai senior group manager and product planner) that goes on sale this May.

Nissan’s VP José Muñoz was the featured speaker at the business luncheon sponsored by The Economic Club of Chicago. He began with a look at Nissan’s history in the U.S. that started in 1958 with a reconaissance mission to check the viability of the U.S. market for Nissan (Datsun at the time).

Fast forward to Nissan’s impact in the U.S. and a look at its four manufacturing facilities, beginning with the plant in Smyrna, Tennessee that produced 648,000 vehicles last year, more than any other U.S. auto plant, domestic or foreign. In total, Nissan employs more than 22,000 U.S. workers.

Muñoz attributed this success to a bold vision that focused on three key areas: local production, workforce training, and capitalizing on changing demographics. Thirty-six percent of Nissan owners are ethnically diverse, he said, and Nissan’s workforce also reflects the marketplace. “Diversity is not just a smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do,” he added.

He also stated that Nissan is approaching its goal of capturing 10 percent of the U.S. automotive market.

“Our story is the American story and there is so much more to come,” he concluded.

The 2015 Chicago Auto Show is open to the public through February 22.

2015 Subaru Legacy

Reviews, Subaru 1 Response »

Feb 172015

When you’re the most recommended brand by Consumer Reports and one of very few that showed sales increases when others were still recovering from the recession, you might get big headed. Not so for Subaru. Lambasted for the look of its 2006 Tribeca (not by me), Subaru has struggled to create a unique exterior DNA, making it a bit self-conscious. Perhaps that’s why the new redesign of the Legacy looks inspired by another brand with a blue oval?

Regardless of what’s going on on the outside, what sets Subaru apart is what’s happening under the skin, namely the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, as well as its stellar reliability. I recently drove the 2015 Legacy 2.5i Premium for a week in Austin, and new technology, improved fuel economy, and interior styling will enhance the sedan’s appeal.

As the second of four trim levels in the new Legacy lineup, the Premium includes a healthy list of standard features, but it’s also nice to know that things like a touch screen display on the infotainment system that includes a CD player, and a high-resolution back-up camera are standard across all trim levels.

My favorite optional feature is the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System that adds Blindspot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist.

Offering a choice between four-cylinder and six-cylinder BOXER engines, the 2015 Subaru Legacy comes standard with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the 2.5i come to 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. During my one-week loan, I achieved an average mpg of 29.6

Like the four-cylinder, the fuel economy for the six-cylinder Legacy 3.6R Limited improves by 10 percent for 2015, with new city/highway estimated ratings of 20/29 mpg.

Technology like an Active Grille Shutter, a colorful fuel efficiency or ECO gauge in the instrument cluster, and a 10-percent improvement in aerodynamics help improve fuel efficiency.

The colorful display has two binocular-style gauge pods with a center LCD information display—3.5-inches on cars without the EyeSight driver-assist system and five inches on EyeSight cars. The infotainment system was a little less intuitive than I would like, and while keyless access is available, it isn’t standard on the Premium 2. 2014-11-03 19.Subaru.signs 5i.

I appreciated the Premium’s blue illumination but I also had the chance to test the 60/40 split rear seats. With more interior volume than its competitors, the roomy trunk (15 cu. ft.) expanded even further to fit the more than 100 campaign signs I needed to deliver to voting precincts in one night. The optional navigation system was also essential that night.

Standard creature comforts on the Legacy Premium include dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and a ten-way power driver’s seat.

Options like a moonroof, navigation, and Rear Vehicle Detection added nearly $3,000 to the Premium’s base price.

I like models with a distinct look so I admit that I prefer the outgoing exterior design to the new one, but that doesn’t detract from what the new Subaru Legacy offers overall.

Pricing for the 2015 Legacy starts at $22,490. The as-tested price for the 2015 Legacy Premium 2.5i came to $27,480.

Mark Orlando Named MINI Department Head of Sales

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Feb 112015

MINI USA today announced the appointment of Mark Orlando as Department Head, MINI Sales. Mark has over 12 years of diverse experience within the BMW Group including roles in Sales, Aftersales, Dealer Development and BMW Group University. Orlando replaces Sadir Haji who is appointed Department Head – Regional Sales & Marketing in the Eastern Region where he will assume the leadership responsibilities for all BMW sales, marketing and distribution functions.

Mark joins the MINI USA team from his current role as Area Manager for BMW of North America’s largest market in the country, Northern New Jersey/New York. In his new role, Mark will be responsible for leading the MINI USA Sales team, Aftersales and Regional MINI business in the United States to achieve operational strategies, priorities and initiatives to grow the MINI business.

Throughout his career, Mark has worked closely with BMW AG, Executive and Regional Management along with the Area Teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive dealer performance. Prior to joining the BMW Group, Mark led the North American Operations for a global consulting company focused on improving sales growth, organizational efficiency and increased customer loyalty.

“With the recent launch of the new MINI Hardtop 2 and 4 Door, and several more models on the way, this is a very exciting time for MINI USA,” said David Duncan, Vice President MINI of the Americas. “That’s why we’re thrilled to have Mark join us as Head of Sales at MINI USA. He brings a unique set of skills and great expertise to help drive sales in the US – MINI’s most important single market globally.”

The MINI USA team would like to thank Sadir Haji for his contributions to the MINI brand over the past four years. Prior to his role leading the MINI USA sales team, Sadir was the head of MINI’s Western Region.

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