April 2017

All-new 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan begins mass production in Alabama

(April 25, 2017) LINCOLN, Ala. — More than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) today celebrated the start of mass production of the all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan, slated to go on-sale this spring at Honda dealerships nationwide. HMA is the exclusive manufacturer of the family-friendly Odyssey.

"This is a celebration for our entire Honda team of associates who have been committed to bringing an all-new, high tech, family-friendly Odyssey to our customers," said Jeff Tomko, president of HMA.

Surge in exports makes Mustang best-selling sports car in world for 2016

(April 25, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Mustang has been the best-selling sports car in the United States over the last 50 years, and now, thanks to growth in international markets, the iconic pony car is the most popular sports car in the world, according to Ford analysis of IHS Markit new vehicle registration data in the sports car segment.

Nissan sets up unit to expand NISMO business

(April 25, 2017) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan has set up a new unit to expand its NISMO road car business by making a greater range of models available to customers in more markets. The NISMO Cars Business Department is part of Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan group company that makes converted vehicles.

Using talent from Nissan, Autech, Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. and other group companies, it will plan and develop more appealing products in a shorter time.

2017 Ford F250 — Brute power in an Armani suit

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 25, 2017) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — While Scottsdale may declare itself “The West’s Most Western Town,” and even have a bucking horse emblazoned on its city seal, it’s been a long time since pistols have been drawn on a dusty trail outside the saloon.

Engineer's innovation has Ford recycling 20 million pounds of aluminum a month

(April 24, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Americans are quite good at recycling things found around their homes. In a typical week, according to the EPA, items like lead-acid batteries, cardboard boxes, soup cans and newspapers might constitute a 10-pound load in their municipal recycling bins. But Chip Conrad, a Ford stamping engineer, takes on a bit of a heavier load — recycling 5 million pounds a week of high-strength military-grade aluminum scrap.

Mercedes-Benz makes lives easier with Google Home and Amazon Alexa

(April 24, 2017) SUNNYVALE, Calif. —Customers are now able to use both Google Assistant on Google Home and Amazon Alexa with all 2016 and 2017 Mercedes-Benz models in the United States.

Customers are increasingly benefiting from seamless and intelligent interactions between Internet of Things (IoT) devices connected through their Mercedes-Benz cars.

Honda Civic Type R sets front-wheel drive lap record at Nürburgring

(April 24, 2017) Following the production model’s debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Honda Civic Type R has set a new benchmark lap time for front-wheel drive cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. On April 3, a development car lapped the world-famous circuit in 7 minutes 43.8 seconds.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell drivers accumulate 2 million zero-emission miles

(April 23, 2017) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell drivers have again surpassed an important threshold, accumulating more than two million miles on the roads and highways of both Southern and Northern California. These fuel cell CUVs have emitted only clean water vapor, and by so doing, have replaced approximately 760 tons of CO2 emissions that would have been emitted by vehicles of similar size and capability.

Surprise — 2018 Buick Regal no longer a sedan

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 22, 2017) Buick’s new Regal lineup for 2018 is a bit of a surprise. Instead of selling just an Audi A4-sized sedan this time, Buick decided to drop the sedan altogether, and replace it with a hatchback with coupe overtones. And, if that wasn’t enough, it took the plunge and added a high-riding station wagon in the mold of Audi’s A4 Allroad to the mix.

BMW to install up to 100 charging stations in National Parks

(April 21, 2017) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Calling on the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship of Thomas Edison, the first of up to 100 electric vehicle charging stations in national parks and nearby communities across the country was switched on this week during a press conference at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, site of Edison’s West Orange, N.J., laboratory and home.

BMW of North America has partnered with the National Park Foundation, National Park Service and Department of Energy to make electric vehicles a feasible option for travel to national parks.