December 2016

Honda reaches 100 million worldwide production milestone in 2016

(December 27, 2016) TOKYO, Japan — Honda Motor Co. has announced reaching the 100 million-unit milestone in cumulative global automobile production. Motorcycle and power products production pushed the total to more than 560 million units worldwide.

Honda began automobile production in 1963 with the T360 mini-truck, Honda’s first mass-production model, at Saitama Factory in Japan.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction to feature rare Mopars

(December 25, 2016) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson will feature an extraordinary docket of rare Mopars during the 46th annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, to be held Jan. 14-22 at the WestWorld of Scottsdale. One of the most rare and collectible among those crossing the Scottsdale auction block is a ’70 Plymouth HEMI ’Cuda,  which is one of only 14 built, has a significant race history and set national records.

Ford EcoSport — Coming to the U.S. early in 2018

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(December 24, 2016) When Ford launched the Fiesta back in 1976, it was late to the small car party, but claimed that its entry would follow the old adage, “Last out, best dressed.” At the L.A. Auto Show in Ncvember the company showed its entry into the micro-crossover segment, the EcoSport; a vehicle that has been on sale in South and Central America since 2003, and is now in its second generation.

In need of a good home



This 1963 Ford Galaxie was found in South Carolina in retirement in someone's yard. The Galaxie was a full-sized car built in the U.S. between 1959 and 1974. The name was used for the top models in Ford's lineup through 1961. The '63 model was essentially unchanged from the 1961-62 models except for some freshening and added trim. (
Photo by Ralph Gable)

Ford issues two safety recalls

(December 23, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing two safety recalls in North America. Ford has issued a safety recall for certain 2017 Ford Super Duty vehicles to inspect and install a fuel tank strap reinforcement. And Ford has issued a safety recall for certain 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-17 Ford Flex, 2017 Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility and 2016-17 Lincoln MKT vehicles with 3.5-liter GTDI engines to inspect and replace leaking turbocharger oil supply tubes

Icon of new era of electric drive: VW to present I.D. family model

(December 22, 2016) Volkswagen will present a new I.D. family model — a multi-functional vehicle for a new era at the Detroit auto show next month. The concept vehicle forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. Like the I.D., this concept is also based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), and so it shows the potential and bandwidth of the MEB.

Since the presentation of the I.D. at the Paris International Motor Show in September, these initials have stood for a new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles from Volkswagen.

Audi Q8 concept to be revealed at Detroit auto show

(December 22, 2016) DETROIT — Audi will start the new year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with the debut of  the Q8 concept. The study represents a synthesis of the emotional styling of a coup and the spaciousness that typifies an SUV. With this move, the brand is unlocking a new segment for the full-size category.

2017 Mercedes E300 goes to the head of the class

By Paul Borden
Motorw
ayAmerica.com

(December 22, 2016) After a full-scale redesign, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan moves into its 10th generation with the 2017 model, offering a new engine, numerous technological features that include the ability to drive itself for short stints, and the kind of classy interior you typically expect from the
German automaker.

GMC Acadia gets downsized

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 21, 2016) The first GMC Acadia went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model, one of three amigos — with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave — sharing the GM Lambda platform. This is called badge engineering, where vehicle clones are sold under different brand monikers.

Volkswagen reaches agreement with government over diesel V6 fix in U.S.

(December 21, 2016) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen has announced that they it has reached a $1 billion settlement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California to resolve civil claims regarding approximately 83,000 affected 3.0L TDI V6 diesel engine vehicles in the United States.