Inside the Industry

MINI USA officially opens registration for MINI Takes The States 2024



(April 9, 2024) MINI USA has officially opened the registration site for MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) 2024. MINI owners looking to register can visit www.minitakesthestates.com to secure their spot on the ninth running of the legendary MINI owners rally held every other summer since 2006. MINI USA has also declared the theme for this summer’s event as “Camp MINI”, which promises to bring Mini owners together in a big way to deliver stunning natural sights and foster new friendships along the western route.

Ford expanding hybrid options as it delays EV plans



(April 8, 2024) Ford said last week it is delaying plans for a new electric pickup and three-row electric utilities amid slowing demand for EVs. Meanwhile, it aims to offer hybrid variants on each gasoline-powered vehicle in its lineup by the end of the decade.

The BMW M5 Touring comes to America for the first time



7th generation BMW M5 sedan
will be joined by Touring variant

    
(April 8, 2024) WOODCLIFF LAKE , N.J.  — The prototypes are carefully disguised, but the camouflage cannot completely conceal their character as elite high-performance vehicles. The seventh generation of the BMW M5 has entered the practical phase of its development process. The new high-performance sedan from BMW M is completing its testing on public roads, BMW proving grounds, and racetracks around the world.

'Live up to it' in the all-new 2024 Lexus GX campaign



(April 8, 2024) PLANO, Texas — Whether your idea of adventure is overlanding in a remote place, trekking across the desert, visiting a national park with your family, or making your daily commute, the all-new 2024 Lexus GX inspires drivers to take their aspirational goals and make them a reality. In the “Live Up to It” marketing campaign, Lexus is empowering drivers to confidently pursue their curiosity and drive for adventure.

Toyota Crown sedan transforms — Meet the 2025 Crown Signia SUV



(April 7, 2024) Toyota knows a thing or two about building brands that stand the test of time. A testament to that longevity is the Toyota Crown. As the company’s longest-running nameplate, the Crown has been a shining jewel in the Toyota lineup since its debut nearly 70 years ago.

Reynolds’ final Bandit Trans Am goes to the auction block



By Jeff Peek
Hagerty Media
Photos by Barrett-Jackson

(April 7, 2024) So many Smokey and the Bandit tribute cars have crossed the auction block in recent years that it’s difficult to keep track of them all. What’s different about this one? According to Barrett-Jackson, the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE being auctioned at its April 18-20 Palm Beach event was the last one personally owned by Burt Reynolds.

BMW sets BMW Motorrad Days for Oct. 11-13



Barber Vintage Festival 2024 at
Motorsports Park in Leeds, Ala.

(April 6, 2024) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — BMW Motorrad USA has announced the return of BMW Motorrad Days Americas, as part of the storied Barber Vintage Festival, Oct. 11-13. The first ever BMW Motorrad Days Americas took place last year and helped celebrate the 100 Years history of BMW motorcycles with record attendance at the Barber Vintage Festival.

UK company Theon Design unveils its first 911 Targa commission



Theon elevates open-top air-cooled
Porsches to new heights with Targa

    
(April 5, 2024) DEDDINGTON, UK — Theon Design has revealed its latest bespoke Porsche 911 (964 generation Carrera 2) commission, codenamed GBR003 — the company’s debut open-top Targa model. As with every Theon Design commission, the all-carbon bodied, six-speed manual, 4.0-liter naturally aspirated GBR003 is an entirely bespoke creation, enhanced from the ground up at Theon’s production facility, nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire’s "motorsport valley."

Hybrid vehicles propel Ford SUV and truck sales



(April 5, 2024) DEARBORN, Mich. — Customer reception in the first quarter to Ford’s freedom of choice across gas, hybrid and electric vehicles drove company sales and share gains. Ford and Lincoln sales climbed 7 percent, outpacing the overall industry.

Subaru announces pricing on new 2025 Subaru Forester starting at $31,090



2025 Forester adds sleek, stylish
exterior with refined, quieter interior

    
(April 5, 2024) Subaru has announced pricing on the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester SUV arriving at Subaru retailers later this spring. The completely redesigned SUV features sleeker exterior styling, a quieter and updated interior, improved ride and handling, and enhanced safety. The sixth-generation Forester SUV starts at $31,090 including $1,395 destination charge.