March 2016

It's spring: Time for baseball, and Chevrolets atop Comerica Park Fountain

(March 31, 2016) DETROIT — With spring in the air and Opening Day upon us, a Chevrolet tradition is about to commence, signifying the beginning of the 2016 baseball season.

A Hyper Blue Metallic Camaro RS and an Inferno Orange Metallic Colorado — the 2016 Motor Trend Car and Truck of the Year — settled into their home for the year high atop the Chevrolet Fountain behind centerfield in Comerica Park today. Each vehicle was lifted into place by crane, a three-hour process.

Ford uses virtual mountain to test steep hill performance on Super Duty


(March 31, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — When testing the Ford F-Series Super Duty engineers discovered the all-new truck is so powerful that it needed new equipment to simulate traveling up steep mountain grades to ensure it lives up to its Built Ford Tough reputation. Traditionally, a dynamometer sled is attached to the vehicle hitch and pulled behind it. The old-style dynamometer did not challenge the power of the all-new Super Duty, so Ford set out to find a new, stronger dyno sled to test the vehicle’s mountain climbing capability limits.

Vermont abandoned



The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe that spanned five generations from 1978 until 2001. This first-generation Prelude (1978-1982) was photographed in abandoned condition in front of an equally abandoned house in northern Vermont. The early Preludes were powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and came with the choice of a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

BMW to sponsor handbuilt motorcycle show in Austin, Texas

(March 30, 2016) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Motorrad USA will be the title sponsor of the third annual Handbuilt Motorcycle Show, April 8-10, in Austin. Hosted by Revival Cycles, the event features approximately 150 custom motorcycles from the best builders in the world, alongside original artwork, in a historic downtown warehouse in the heart of Austin's lively East Side.

“Technology and design are both vital to the future of the motorcycle industry,” observed Sarah Schilke, national marketing manager, BMW Motorrad USA.

Honda powers classic Disneyland Resort attraction — Autopia

(March 30, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda has announced its sponsorship of the classic Disneyland Resort Autopia attraction, which dates back to the opening day of Disneyland Park in 1955, and allows guests to get behind the wheel of a car and cruise on a winding road trip. The company also committed to the continuation of a multiyear strategic alliance with Disneyland Resort.

Ford introduces Kansas City-built F-150 MVP Edition

(March 30, 2016) CLAYCOMO, Mo. — Ford salutes Kansas City’s world baseball championship by announcing a limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant. Based on the F-150 XLT with chrome package and available in either Oxford White or Blue Flame, F-150 MVP edition includes special MVP badging, unique polished stainless rocker panels and a spray-in bedliner. 

Kia Motors produces two millionth vehicle in U.S.

(March 30, 2016) WEST POINT, Ga. — On Tuesday, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) celebrated as the plant’s two millionth vehicle — a white 2016 Sorento SXL — rolled off the assembly line in West Point.

Representing an investment of more than $1.1 billion, KMMG began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009, and today produces more than 40 percent of all Kia vehicles sold in the United States.

First 1,000 right-hand-drive Mustangs delivered to United Kingdom customers

(March 30, 2016) BRENTWOOD, Essex, UK — Over 1,000 UK customers have now received their new right-hand-drive Ford Mustang, as total sales accelerate past 3,500. So far, 80 per cent of UK customers have opted for the fastback body style over the convertible and 68 per cent have specified the 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Mazda partners with Japanese Nostalgic Car for vintage U.S. road rally

(March 29, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — "Driving Matters." It's not just Mazda North American Operation's (MNAO) slogan, it's a company manifesto that drives Mazda to build cars and crossovers that thrill and delight. And despite the slogan's recent inception in 2015, the joy of driving has always been an integral part of Mazda.

Jeep brand launches global 'My Jeep Story' digital and social campaign

(March 29, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — On the heels of its breakout Super Bowl campaign marking its 75th anniversary, the Jeep brand is kicking off a year-long campaign with a global footprint to include both digital and social elements.

“My Jeep Story” will provide a platform for the brand’s passionate community and the wider world to join the 75th anniversary celebrations by sharing their own, authentic and inspiring Jeep brand stories — enabled by Jeep vehicles and embodying the spirit of the brand through the pillars of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion.