Inside the Industry

Electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz exceeds expectations in Europe



(January 16, 2023) The ID. Buzz dominated 2022 at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) — the first Bulli designed as an all-electric vehicle. After the headline-making world premiere in March, pre-sales began in May. Even before the vehicle arrived at dealerships in autumn, customers had already ordered 21,000, thus clearly exceeding VWCV’s forecasts for the year. 

Ford Pro records 8th straight year as Europe’s commercial vehicle sales leader



(January 15, 2023) DUNTON, UK — Ford Pro was Europe’s commercial vehicle sales leader in 2022,  marking an eighth successive year of market leadership for Ford and a new record in the industry. Ford Pro, the commercial vehicles and services business within Ford, recorded its highest-ever overall market share of 15 per cent and increased its share year-over-year in eleven countries: Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Turkey.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction to feature supercars


1989 Ferrari F40

(January 14, 2023) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson will offer several of the most exclusive and desirable supercars and performance vehicles with No Reserve during its 2023 Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Jan. 21-29. Among the most anticipated supercars on the docket is an early-production 1989 Ferrari F40 with a final output between 700 horsepower and nearly 1,000 horsepower based on the setup and extensive period racing history with David Hart and Michel Oprey in the Ferrari/Porsche Challenge series, as well as a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, one of just 644 examples sold new in the United States.

Chevy announces search for $100K ‘Lead Dream Chaser’ opportunity



(January 13, 2023) DETROIT — In anticipation of the arrival of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax this spring, Chevy is announcing an opportunity for a chance to become a “Lead Dream Chaser.” This three-month opportunity will enable one person to pursue their lifelong dream or passion project. The Lead Dream Chaser will share their journey on social media and in return receive $100,000 and three months with the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax.

Jaguar F-TYPE marks 75 years — And final F-TYPE model



(January 13, 2023)  MAHWAH, N.J. — The Jaguar F-TYPE is the definitive sports car from a rich bloodline spanning 75 years and including some of the most iconic models ever built. In Coupé or Convertible form, F-TYPE offers a perfect balance of visceral performance and driver reward with a muscular, assertive design and a cabin defined by luxurious materials, exacting craftsmanship and exquisite details.

Porsche Experience Center Atlanta will open new track in April



(January 11, 2023) ATLANTA — After welcoming nearly 400,000 visitors since opening in June 2015, the Porsche Experience Center will expand its footprint with a new track inspired by some of the most dynamic elements of several iconic race courses. The second track, designed by Tilke, will open April 1.

2023 Mazda MX-30 EV starts at $35,385



(January 11, 2023) IRVINE, Calif.  — Mazda North American Operations has announced the 2023 Mazda MX-30 EV will be arriving in California dealerships this spring. The MX-30 EV maintains Mazda’s core values in engaging driving dynamics and distinct design to help owners create an emotional bond with the electric crossover. Starting price including destination charge is $35,385. With the Premium Plus package starting price is $38,395.

Bentley delivers most cars ever in 2022; above 15,000 for first time



(January 11, 2023) CREWE, England — Bentley Motors has announced total sales of 15,174 in 2022, an increase of 4 per cent over the previous record year (14,659) in 2021 and the first time Bentley has reached over 15,000 cars. This significant achievement was driven by new model introductions and increasing demand for Mulliner personalization and Bentley’s new hybridized models, introduced under Bentley’s Beyond100 strategic path to full electrification by 2030.  

Toyota launches campaign for 2023 Crown sedan



(January 10, 2023) PLANO, Texas — Toyota invites drivers to stand out in the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown with the “Says So Much” campaign. The campaign conveys how great it feels to show off the "jaw-dropping" style and performance of Toyota’s all-new sedan.

U.S. traffic deaths fall slightly in first nine months of 2022



(January 10, 2023) WASHINGTON — U.S. traffic deaths fell 0.2 percent in the first nine months of 2022, reversing a sharp rise in the two prior pandemic years when speeding and other unsafe behavior increased, regulators said on Monday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes through Sept. 30 compared with the 31,850 deaths in the same period in 2021. U.S. traffic deaths jumped 10.5 percent in 2021 to 42,915, the largest number killed on American roads in a year since 2005 after rising 7 percent in 2020.