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| | Week In Review: Sales, Spy Shots, and Celebrations

Week In Review: Sales, Spy Shots, and Celebrations

By | February 07, 2014
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With the Super Bowl now over, it was time for us to get back to work. The Chicago Auto Show took place during the last half of the week, and despite this, the week was filled with news. We kicked off the week with our monthly sales report, followed by some spy shots of a new Ford Mustang on Tuesday. Wednesday revealed a unionization secret-ballot vote for Volkswagen plant workers. Thursday, with the auto show in full swing, brought us a partnership with Toyota and the Daytona Rising project. Friday rounded out the week with a celebration of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Check out the stories below to catch up on what you missed during the week.

Monday, February 3

This week kicked off with January sales numbers pouring in, and while we had hoped to see the new year start off right, many automakers posted negative numbers. Despite all the negative numbers, some automakers were able to break records. Audi and Chrysler group reported records of 37 consecutive months of record sales and 46 months of year-over-year sales gains, respectively. Some automakers weren't so happy with how the month of January finished up, including General Motors who reported negative figures across all brands under its belt. But what's a sales day without a little spin? Those automakers who didn't make it out on top blamed inclement weather for the weak sales.

Tuesday, February 4

We all love some good spy shots, and this week we were able to grab some of the latest Ford Mustang. But this wasn't just any old pony car. We expect it to be the much-anticipated 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. The new model wasn't in full camouflage, as it shares some of the same features as the recently-debuted 2015 Ford Mustang, but what was left covered up fuelled our imagination. We expect Ford to keep the 5.8-liter V-8 engine, and while it's possible that the automaker will find a way to drop an EcoBoost engine into the lineup, we doubt that Ford will willingly give up it's GT500 horsepower leadership.

Wednesday, February 5

We've been hearing about the possibility of Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant to come under UAW representation, and in the latest announcement, it seems that workers at the plant will undergo a secret-ballot vote. If the plant workers vote in favor of unionization, it will make the plant the first works council established in the United States. It's a pretty big deal when you think about it, and we know that not all of Chattanooga's workers are happy about this idea. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the UAW isn't sitting back and is currently pushing to represent workers at a Nissan Plant, as well as a Mercedes-Benz plant. More workers' unions could definitely be in our future.

Thursday, February 6

Toyota has long been a supporter of the auto sports industry, and in its latest move, has partnered with Daytona to renovate the Daytona International Speedway and become the first founding partner of the Daytona Rising project. The automaker plans to invest in the $400 million renovation in exchange for certain privileges and concessions. Toyota will receive a 20,000 square-foot, four-story building to display its vehicles, naming rights to one of the five massive fan injectors, and representation in the "World Center of Racing" area overlooking the start/finish line. Toyota will also be the official partner of the Daytona 500 and have pace car rights at a number of different venues. All renovations are expected to be completed by 2016.

Friday, February 7

When you think of affordable two-seater sports cars, what's the first model that comes to mind? For us, it’s the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Back in 1989, Mazda debuted the all-new MX-5 Miata at the Chicago Auto Show, and since then, it has earned numerous awards and sold nearly 1 million units worldwide. Mazda is celebrating the 25th birthday of the iconic sports car with a tribute to past models. While this sports car may have started out with humble beginnings, over the past two and a half decades, Mazda has turned the Miata into a household name. Enthusiasts love the model for its performance and driving dynamics, and for its fun personality.
 
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