Cross-Overs, Cars and Trucks Drive Into the Spotlight at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV made its global premiere at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Reengineered and redesigned in America, the 2016 Honda Pilot delivers more family-friendly utility, more advanced technology and more premium attributes and amenities than ever before, boasting class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and confident driving dynamics in a thoroughly modern, stylish and sophisticated new package.

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The all-new 2016 Pilot, launching at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer, is the third generation of Honda's three-row midsize SUV to be designed, developed and manufactured in America. Reinforcing 2015 as the "Year of Honda," Pilot further strengthens Honda's SUV/CUV triple threat by joining the exceptionally well received 2015 CR-V (2015 Motor Trend SUV of the Year) and greatly anticipated new 2016 HR-V.

"With looks that command attention and the powerful presence of true functionality, the 2016 Pilot sets a new benchmark in the midsize SUV class with an unmatched combination of sophistication and utility," said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. "This means the all-new Pilot will comfort, entertain and assist active families in all aspects of their lives, whether it's an evening out for two, a road trip adventure for all or just the chores of everyday life."

2016 Acura RDX Brings the Heat in World Debut at 2015 Chicago Auto Show

Hot-selling Acura RDX luxury crossover boosts its considerable market strength with significant upgrades to performance, luxury, styling and safety features

Coming off its best-ever year, the newly refreshed and energized 2016 Acura RDX luxury sport-utility made its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show, sporting a host of significant upgrades to performance, luxury prestige and styling. Launching at Acura dealerships nationwide this Spring, the 2016 Acura RDX receives  Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights, a new, more powerful 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine, an expanded list of AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, and a host of new luxury features and technologies, including a new line-topping RDX with Advance Package.

The Acura RDX and MDX have formed a potent 1-2 punch in the luxury SUV game, posting record sales in 2014 well ahead of European rivals in their segments. With the 2016 MDX also getting significant new features and technologies, including a 9-speed automatic transmission, the new RDX and MDX stand as an even more formidable presence in the luxury SUV space.

"The RDX ended on a high note in 2014, posting its best sales year ever, but at Acura, we are not content in resting on our laurels," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura. "The 2016 RDX gets a major infusion of Acura brand DNA including enhancements to styling, driving performance, and exciting new luxury feature-content, further solidifying its place as the one to beat in the entry luxury SUV segment."

The 2016 RDX targets top-in-class safety ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The RDX is produced at the company's award-winning East Liberty, Ohio, plant, using domestic and globally sources parts. In January, Acura marked the sale of its two-millionth North American-made vehicle in America.  Today, approximately 94 percent of all Acura models sold in America are made in the company's plants in Ohio and Alabama.

Fresh Face: Chevrolet Introduces Restyled 2016 Equinox

Premium cues, new safety features enhance Chevy's record-selling compact SUV

Chevrolet introduced the 2016 Equinox – a contemporized version of the popular compact SUV. Updates include new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, as well as a larger color touchscreen radio and a standard rear-vision camera for entry-level models.

The enhanced Equinox goes on sale this fall, building on five years of record sales in the highly competitive compact SUV segment and strengthening Chevrolet's broad sport utility lineup, which includes the Traverse, the all-new Trax small SUV and the redesigned 2015 Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs.

"Chevrolet Equinox is a pillar of the compact SUV segment, thanks to a value rooted in great style, efficiency, safety and connectivity," said Alan Batey, president, GM North America. "The enhancements to the 2016 Equinox make a versatile vehicle an even better choice, and demonstrate Chevrolet's commitment to delivering the broadest lineup of SUVs in the industry."

Equinox sales in the U.S. increased to 242,242 in 2014 – the fifth consecutive year of record sales since the second-generation launched as a 2010 model.

It also held more than 9 percent of the compact SUV market, which surged 17.4 percent in 2014 and accounted for 15.5 percent of the total vehicle market – eclipsing midsize cars for the first time to become the auto industry's largest segment.

"The new face of the Equinox is highlighted by a more expressive execution of chrome accents and premium lighting," said John Cafaro, executive director of design, global Chevrolet cars. "The result is a modern exterior that's matched inside with premium features on all trim levels, complementing the Equinox's enhanced technology and functionality."

2016 Nissan TITAN XD

The 2016 TITAN XD marks Nissan's aggressive return to the full-size pickup battlefield

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn stated, "With the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD, we weren't just going for 'best-in-class.' Instead, we are offering the 'Best New Class."  The new TITAN XD, the first of the new generation of Nissan TITAN models, creates a new segment of the American market. It offers the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – yet has the fuel-efficiency and affordability of half-ton pickups. It is projected to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late 2015.

"The new TITAN will deliver toughness, capability and quality," added Ghosn. "In addition to a range of cab configurations, the TITAN lineup will ultimately encompass multiple powertrain choices. These include an all-new workhorse gasoline V8, as well as our first V6 offering in this class."

The all-new TITAN, like the first-generation Titan, was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi.

The all-new TITAN also underscores Nissan's commitment to localized production. Nissan has invested more than $5 billion in the United States in the past five years and has moved manufacturing for several models from overseas to its North American plants.

"Our growing U.S. presence is bolstering our performance and helped to make 2014 a year of significant growth for Nissan in the U.S.," said Ghosn. "Our operations, our network of partners, and – most importantly – our products are stronger than ever. Nissan is targeting 10 percent market share in the U.S. And the all-new TITAN is a key part of our growth strategy."

The Refreshed 2016 Toyota Avalon Premium Mid-Size Sedan

• Updated Styling
• Retuned Suspension for Enhanced Comfort
• New LED Headlights and Taillights
• Upgraded Convenience Features

Unveiled as all-new in 2012, the fourth-generation Avalon was the first vehicle to meet Toyota President Akio Toyoda's challenge to create cars that spark people's emotions. Toyota mixed its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) with a strong dose of emotion through fresh new styling, improved performance, and high-tech features. They proved to be winning ingredients as Avalon quickly grabbed the attention of mid-size premium car buyers in segment leading numbers.

Five distinct grades on the V6 models will give customers a wide array of choice (XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring). Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up the chain from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited.

Two unique suspension systems were developed for the 2016 Avalon to better align with diverse customer preferences. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades. The other, provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade. Both of these suspension tunings are new and represent significant improvements over the current production Avalon.

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association