News archive

March 2017

Honda to invest $85 million in Alabama manufacturing plant

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(March 28, 2017) LINCOLN, Ala. — Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) today announced an investment of $85 million for the first of a multi-phase project to improve vehicle manufacturing flexibility, strengthen the logistic efficiency for future models and prepare for future technologies. HMA builds four different light truck products — with sole responsibility for production of the Honda Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline, as well as production of the Acura MDX.

Five drive modes optimize Ford GT performance for every condition

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(March 28, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — There once was a time when owning a supercar meant compromise. Undeniably, the thrills were real, but the effort required to operate many a high-performance machine could overwhelm. With the all-new Ford GT, there is no such tradeoff. Ford Performance engineers set out to ensure being behind the wheel of the 647 horsepower carbon fiber supercar is an absolute joy regardless of driving conditions.

Nissan GT-R Track Edition set for U.S. debut at New York Auto Show

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(March 27, 2017) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Among Nissan GT-R enthusiasts, 2017 is turning out to be a milestone year. The model year started with a major makeover for both the GT-R Premium and GT-R NISMO,  and caps off with the North American debut of the limited production GT-R Track Edition at the New York International Auto Show.

The show runs April 14 - 23 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Ford continues its water leadership goal with new technologies

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(March 27, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. —The Chicago Assembly Plant — home of the Ford Taurus and the Ford Explorer — implemented efficiency efforts towards the end of 2016 that helped the plant reduce water usage by 13 million gallons last year, and expected to be significantly higher in 2017 after a full year of use.

GM engine plant builds 2 millionth Duramax diesel engine

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(March 26, 2017) MORAINE, Ohio — The 755 employees at the General Motors DMAX, Ltd. plant on Friday celebrated the build of the 2 millionth Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel engine. Groundbreaking for the new DMAX, Ltd. plant began in 1998, with the first engine rolling off the line July 17, 2000.

Postcards from Sebring: The sights, sounds, and cultural oddities

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By William G. Sawyer
Editor at Large, The Virtual Driver

(March 25, 2017) When the Editor of The Virtual Driver discovered that I was making a trip to Sebring for the 12 Hours along with my son, and ace photographer, Danny, he shrugged off suggestions for a spectator’s view of the race, claiming it would add nothing to the voluminous coverage that would follow on TV and motorsport-focused websites.

Toyota begins trailblazing eco-billboard campaign

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(March 24, 2017) TORRANCE,  Calif. — Toyota Mirai trailblazing customers care about the air — their vehicle emits nothing but water vapor.  Now, the fuel cell car’s newest campaign is blazing a trail with eco-billboard technology that will help Californians breathe even easier. The Toyota Mirai eco-billboard campaign, in coordination with Clear Channel Outdoor Americas, will help clear the air from April 3 through May 28. 

Jaguar Land Rover to start pre-paid connected car unlimited data plan

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(March 24, 2017) MAHWAH, N.J. — Jaguar Land Rover has announced that owners of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles with InControl Wi-Fi will have access to a prepaid unlimited data plan for $20 per month enabled by AT&T. The prepaid unlimited data plan, which is available across the U.S., makes it easier and more affordable for Jaguar and Land Rover vehicle owners using the brand’s InControl platform to stay connected while on-the-go.