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Major automakers post mixed US June sales figures

General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV posted declines in US new vehicle sales for June on Monday, while major Japanese automakers reported stronger figures. Once again, demand for pickup trucks and crossovers offset a decline in sedan sales. Automakers' shares rose as overall industry sales still came in above Wall Street expectations. The US auto industry is bracing for a downturn after hitting a record 17.55 million new vehicles sold in 2016. Analysts had predicted that overall, US vehicle sales would fall in June for the fourth consecutive month. As the market has shown signs of cooling, automakers have hiked discounts and loosened lending terms. Car shopping website Edmunds said on Monday the average length of a car loan reached an all-time high of 69.3 months in June. "It's financially risky, leaving borrowers exposed to being upside down on their vehicles for a large chunk of their loans," said Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds' executive director of industry analysis. GM said its sales fell about 5 percent versus June 2016, but that the industry would see stronger sales in the second half of 2017 versus the first half. "Under the current economic conditions, we anticipate US retail vehicle sales will remain strong for the foreseeable future." GM shares were up 2.4 percent in morning trading, while Ford rose 3.3 percent and FCA shares jumped 6 percent. "US total sales are moderating due to an industry-wide pullback in daily rental sales, but key US economic fundamentals clearly remain positive," said GM chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem. "Under the current economic conditions, we anticipate US retail vehicle sales will remain strong for the foreseeable future." Ford said its sales for June were hit by lower fleet sales to rental agencies, businesses, and government entities, which fell 13.9 percent, while sales to consumers were flat. But it sold a record 406,464 SUVs in the first half of the year, with Explorer sales increasing 23 percent in June. And sales of the F-150 had their strongest June since 2001. On a media call, Ford executives said an initial read of automakers' sales figures indicated a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of around 17 million new vehicles for the month, which would be better than 16.6 million units analysts had predicted. FCA said June sales decreased 7 percent versus the same month a year earlier.

Infiniti introduces Q70 Premium Select Edition to Monterey crowds

Infiniti has made its presence at the 2015 Monterey Car Week known, introducing a new version of its flagship sedan, the Q70. As far as special editions go, the new Premium Select Edition Q70 is fairly light on upgrades, going for minor aesthetic tweaks rather than rocking the boat too heavily. Unsurprisingly, one of the most obvious changes is down low, where Infiniti's stylists have fitted new 20-inch wheels. The gunmetal hoops are joined by dark chrome trim on the fascia, a new rear bumper, and a decklid spoiler. Buyers have the choice of two interior trims. There's Graphite and Stone, both of which feature semi-aniline leather, a "suede-like" headliner, and aluminum interior trim pieces. Infiniti isn't too picky when it comes to powertrains for the Premium Select Edition, although there are some restrictions. It can be had with both the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 and in rear- or all-wheel-drive models. Weirdly, though, you can't get the stylish trim on the Q70 Hybrid or on long-wheelbase models. We can't tell you how much it'll cost to add the special-edition trim, because Infiniti did not deign to release pricing info. We can, however, tell you that the Q70 Premium Select Edition will hit dealers this November. Look for more, including live images of the new sedan, as the Monterey Car Week continues. Until then, scroll down for the official press release. Related Video: 2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition debuts at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Infiniti today announced that the new 2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition will be on display this week in the Infiniti Pavilion at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The specially equipped Q70 premium sedan will be available at Infiniti retailers nationwide beginning in November. "Following the introduction last year of the new Infiniti Q70 long-wheelbase model, we are continuing to expand our flagship Q70 sedan's portfolio of offerings," said Randy Parker, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "The new Premium Select Edition package gives the Q70 an extra touch of premium elegance that is right at home here at Pebble Beach – or in any neighborhood or driveway across the country." The Q70 Premium Select Edition's exterior offers dark chrome trim, a darkened lower rear bumper, a rear decklid spoiler and unique design and color 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R20 all-season performance tires.

Infiniti lifts veil on Q60 Concept in final teaser shot

Well, here it is. Ahead of its official debut at next week's 2015 North American International Auto Show, Infiniti has given us our final "teaser" image of the new Q60 Concept. Teaser, though, applies only loosely, as this is a full-frontal shot of the new two-door, meaning all we're waiting on is the glut of information that will follow ahead of next week's show in Detroit. Overall, it's a very attractive piece of sheetmetal. There are a lot of interesting design touches, including the new nose, which is very, very heavily inspired by Infiniti's partnership with the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Aside from that, many of the company's most notable styling touches have been toned down on the Q60 Concept, particularly the double-arch grille, which has been softened noticeably. The slim headlights, aggressive kink in the beltline behind the B-pillar, strong character line and the air-curtain-like element behind the front wheel arch are the other big styling features. We'll have far more on the Q60 Concept on Sunday, January 11, when it makes its official debut on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show. Until then, take a look at the final teaser up top and let us know what you think of Infiniti's latest efforts in Comments.