December 2016

One million FCA vehicles being investigate for rollaway issue

(December 21, 2016) WASHINGTON -- An investigation into about one million newer Ram pickups and Dodge SUVs is being conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after it received complaints the vehicles rolled away after being parked.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it is cooperating with the government investigation that covers 2013-16 Ram 1500 pickups and 2014-16 Dodge Durango SUVs. The government said it has reports of 25 crashes from owners alleging vehicles roll away and nine injuries and urged drivers to set the parking brake before exiting the vehicles.

GKN Driveline to invest $179 million to expend North Carolina facilities

(December 21, 2016) GKN Driveline, the global leader in contemporary and electrified driveline technologies, today announced it will invest nearly $179 million to expand manufacturing facilities in Alamance, Catawba, Lee and Person counties in North Carolina. The investment will occur over the next five years and will create 302 jobs.

FCA builds 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans for self-driving tests

(December 21, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Waymo (formerly the Google self-driving car project) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have announced that production of 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans uniquely built to enable fully self-driving operations has been completed. The vehicles are currently being outfitted with Waymo’s fully self-driving technology, including a purpose-built computer and a suite of sensors, telematics and other systems, and will join Waymo’s self-driving test fleet in early 2017.

New book celebrates 90 years of Ducati motorcycle design

(December 20, 2016) BOLOGNA, ITALY — Proud to celebrate its 90th anniversary together with its fans, Ducati has decided to make this milestone a memorable one with a volume containing a photographic record of the company's history, illustrating that attention to style and design for which Ducati has always been so renowned.

“Stile Ducati. A visual history of Ducati Design” published by Skira (Milan - Italy, 2016) is a true collector's volume, an evocative story told trough images, a sequence of unique shots that highlight the aesthetic value and the design of Ducati motorcycles.

Rare customs and hot rods among vehicles at Barrett-Jackson auction

(December 20, 2016) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson has lined up an incredible docket of rare, collectible customs and hot rods for the 46th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, to be held Jan. 14-22 at the WestWorld of Scottsdale. Among the featured customs to cross the auction block in Scottsdale is Boyd Coddington’s “Alumatub,” as well as “Brass Monkey,” a 1939 Chevrolet custom truck built by Eldred Hotrod Shop.

McConaughey is back in new Lincoln Continental ad filmed in Iceland

(December 20, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Lincoln Motor Company traveled to the edge of the Earth to find a backdrop dazzling enough to introduce its timeless, elegant flagship vehicle — the all-new 2017 Lincoln Continental.

“Entrance,” a new TV spot for the “That’s Continental” campaign featuring Matthew McConaughey, was shot on a shimmering glacial plain about 160 miles from Reykjavík, Iceland, with black sand and shallow water offset by a stunning, stark horizon.

Honda to debut all-new 2018 Odyssey minivan in Detroit

(December 20, 2018) DETROIT — The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan will make its global debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 9. The 5th-generation 2018 Honda Odyssey has been completely redesigned and will feature new powertrain technology, sophisticated styling and showcase a new suite of innovative features.

Next-generation Chevrolet Traverse to debut Jan. 9 in Detroit

(December 19, 2016) DETROIT — Chevrolet will complete the transformation of its crossover and SUV lineup with the introduction of the next-generation Traverse on Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show. Chevrolet released a teaser shot of the new large crossover today.

The all-new Traverse features a bold and refined design with seating for up to eight passengers. It’s expected to offer the segment’s best third-row legroom and maximum cargo space.

2017 Honda Odyssey goes on sale today

(December 19, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Arriving at dealerships nationwide just in time for the holidays, the 2017 Honda Odyssey goes on sale today with a starting price of $29,850. Odyssey has been the most popular minivan with individual American car buyers for each of the past six years and is leading again in 20162. Odyssey also has been the top choice of under-35-year-old minivan buyers in every year since 2010.