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GM and Ford quarterly sales continue to slump in China

BEIJING — General Motors and Ford announced their quarterly sales in China fell, albeit at a slower pace sequentially, as the U.S. automakers were hit by a slowing economy amid the Sino-U.S. trade war. GM's vehicle sales in China for the quarter ended June 30 dropped 12.2%, while Ford's sales slumped by 21.7%. While GM also suffered from heightened competition in its key mid-priced SUV segment, Ford was hurt by the limited new models for customers to choose from. For the first quarter of this year, Ford's sales in China tumbled 35.8 percent while GM's skid 17.5 percent. Still, the numbers from GM, the second biggest international automaker in China by sales, and Ford portend more uncertainty for the industry which is trying to rebound from a downward spiral that led to its first annual sales decline last year in more than two decades. GM delivered 1.57 million vehicles in China in the January-June period this year, while Ford delivered 290,321 vehicles. China's factory activity shrank more than expected in June, highlighting the need for more economic stimulus amid higher U.S. tariffs and weaker domestic demand. Annual car sales in China fell last year for the first time since the 1990s, and they are expected to fall this year too. Sales tumbled 16.4% in May from the same month a year prior, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said. That marked the 11th consecutive month of decline and followed falls of 14.6% in April and 5.2% in March. U.S. car companies' share of total China passenger vehicles sales fell to 9.6% in the first five months of this year from 10.9% in the year-ago period, according to CAAM. Over the same period, German car makers' share has risen to 23.3% from 20.9% and Japanese auto makers' to 21.3% from 17.3%. CAAM is set to announce June sales next week, which industry analysts forecast will be negative.   New models In China, GM has a joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp, in which the Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac are made. It also has another venture, with SAIC and GuangxiAutomobile Group, in which they make no-frills minivans and have started to make higher-end cars. Sales of GM's affordable brand Baojun dropped 31.8% for the latest quarter. But luxury brand Cadillac's sales jumped 36.6%. GM sold 3.64 million units in China last year, down from 4.04 units in 2017. Ford makes cars in China through its joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co and Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC).

2016 Chevy COPO Camaro wears drag to SEMA [w/video]

Attendees to this year's SEMA Show get to be the first to check out Chevrolet's latest COPO Camaro that's now based on the new, sixth-generation model. As before, they packs a bevy of racing modifications to rocket down drag strips across the country. All of the interested customers might not get one of these hand-built machines, though, because Chevy is sticking with the tradition of only building 69 of them for 2016. Devised to compete NHRA Stock and Super Stock Eliminator classes, the latest COPO Camaro features the lighter, more rigid platform of the sixth-gen model. Buyers can choose from an array of V8s for power, including a supercharged 350-cubic-inch engine, a naturally aspirated 427, or an LT-based 376. All of them come with a race-prepped Turbo 400 three-speed automatic, solid rear axle, and adjustable suspension. The COPO on display for SEMA wears custom styling from drag racer Courtney Force that combines a Red Hot and black color scheme with her name slashing across rear fender. This one also packs a concept 350-cubic-inch V8 with a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger. If you're interested in owning it, the car will cross the auction block at a Barrett-Jackson sale in 2016, and the proceeds will go to the United Way. Related Video: CHEVROLET INTRODUCES GEN SIX COPO CAMARO Courtney Force-designed show car to be auctioned for United Way LAS VEGAS – With assistance from NHRA Camaro Funny Car driver Courtney Force, Chevrolet introduced the Gen Six COPO Camaro today at the SEMA Show. After visiting the COPO build center, Force collaborated with Chevrolet designers to create a custom appearance for the 2016 COPO Camaro SEMA show car. It will be auctioned at a Barrett-Jackson sale in 2016, with the proceeds going to United Way. Chevrolet will build 69 COPO Camaro race cars for 2016, extending the production legacy that began in 2012 with the fifth-generation Camaro. Like the previous editions, the new COPO Camaro is designed for NHRA's Stock and Super Stock Eliminator classes. "With the new Gen Six Camaro as its foundation, the 2016 COPO Camaro begins the next chapter of an historic racing legacy," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "It's great to have Courtney Force on Team Chevy and to work with her on the design of the new COPO Camaro show car.

Chevy Colorado gets Midnight, Trail Boss editions

After introducing a gamut of special editions for the full-size Silverado, Chevrolet is offering a pair of new packages for its midsize Colorado. Following in the Silverado's footsteps, the Colorado Midnight Edition just blacks out all the things. There's a black grille, black Bowtie, and exclusive 18-inch wheels. They happen to be black, as well. In terms of functional changes, the Midnight Edition adds a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and unique sill plates. Potential owners won't be limited on engine options and body styles here, as the blacked-out trim can be added to extended and crew cab bodies, in two- or four-wheel drive models, and with all of the pickup's available engines, including the upcoming Duramax diesel. The only limiting factor is the actual trim level – you'll need to settle for the mid-grade LT. Don't worry, though. The heftier, top-of-the-line Z71 will be offered with its own unique package, called the Trail Boss. As expected, it goes big on off-road character, with LED trail lighting and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec tires. There are also black 17-inch wheels, newly flared fenders, side steps, and like the Midnight Edition, a blacked-out grille and spray-in bedliner. Also like the Midnight Edition, the only limit to adding the Trail Boss is that you opt for the Z71 trim. Engines, drivetrains, and body styles are not fixed. Look for both trucks at your local Chevrolet dealer this fall. Until then, scroll down for the official press release. 2016 Chevy Colorado Special Models Dressed to Impress Midnight Edition, Z71 Trail Boss complement capability with customized style 2015-08-03 DETROIT – On the street or on the trail, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado's Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss bring bolder choices to customers looking to make a visual statement with their truck. The special editions roll into Chevrolet dealerships this fall, with distinctly tailored appearances that blend custom design cues with Colorado's popular options and accessories. The Midnight Edition evokes the aesthetic of an urban tuner vehicle, while the Z71 Trail Boss is designed for terrain where the pavement ends. "These are aggressive editions of one of the country's hottest-selling truck, demonstrating the personalization that's possible with Chevrolet accessories, whether it's for the street, trail or both," said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager.