April 2017

Chevrolet sees spike in Onstar Spanish requests

(April 19, 2017) DETROIT — Chevrolet owners are expected to use OnStar’s Spanish-speaking advisor team more in 2017 than any previous year. OnStar has provided Chevrolet owners with a dedicated Spanish language team for more than 10 years to help with everything from directions to emergency services.

Honda starts campaign to end distracted driving

(April 19, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — Through a fun and lively parody video coupled with gifs and memes, Honda is introducing "The DT" (The Designated Texter) to discourage drivers from distracted driving. The DT social media campaign is aimed at reminding drivers about the importance of not texting while driving and the general danger of distraction on the road, coinciding with the Distracted Driving Month of April.

Audi unveils 310-mile range Audi e-Tron Sportback Concept

(April 19, 2017) SHANGHAI — Design study and technology demonstrator, electric car and power pack in the guise of a coupe: Audi presents a versatile concept car at the Auto Shanghai. The four-door Gran Turismo Audi e-tron Sportback concept comes with a 320 kW electric drive. The formal idiom combines classic Audi elements with an array of trendsetting details: an electrifying architecture, tailored consistently to the technology and the package of the electric drive.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan has world premiere in Shanghai

(April 19, 2017) SHANGHAI — The newly updated S-Class Sedan celebrated its world premiere with extensive innovations at the Shanghai Auto Show this week. Among the highlights are the extended suite of Intelligent Drive features that take another step towards autonomous driving and a new generation of Mercedes-Benz engines.

Jaguar F-Type roadster follows in footsteps of automotive legend

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 18, 2017) Three years ago or so Jaguar paid homage to its illustrious past when it brought the F-Type to the market. It was the first roadster from the company in 40 years and stirred memories of the legendary Jaguar E-Type, which was based on the British marque’s D-Type racing car and manufactured from 1961-75.

Such was the admiration for the E-Type that Enzo Ferrari, who had some great looking machines coming out of his own shop, flatly declared it “the most beautiful car ever made.” High praise indeed.

Ford converts unused mall area into new workspace

(April 18, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — For more than 40 years, Fairlane Town Center Mall has served as a major retail hub in Dearborn. It is one of the state’s largest malls at one time housing more than 220 retailers including five major department stores, restaurants, even an ice rink. Only three major department stores now remain, and Fairlane’s biggest tenant is a global automaker.

Citroen shows new-generation SUV — the C5 Aircross

(April 18, 2017) SHANGHAI — Citroën has premiered a new-generation SUV at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show, the C5 Aircross. Inspired directly by the Aircross Concept that was unveiled in 2015, it combines assertive design with interior space for the well-being of everyone on-board. A "people-minded’" SUV, the new model benefits from the latest technologies that ensure easier driving and a modern approach to comfort.

Ford extends Shelby GT350 Mustang availability to 2018 model year

(April 18, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — In honor of National Mustang Day, Ford has announced that the most track-capable, street legal Mustang ever built is back for another lap. Ford announces Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R Mustang will continue for 2018, available in showrooms this fall.

The new models will be unchanged from the 2017 versions, with the exception of three new exterior color choices, Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Lead Foot Gray.

First quarter Harley-Davidson sales, profits off compared to 2016

(April 18, 2017) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson's first quarter 2017 diluted EPS decreased 22.8 percent to $1.05 compared to $1.36 in the same period of 2016. First quarter net income was $186.4 million on consolidated revenue of $1.50 billion versus net income of $250.5 million on consolidated revenue of $1.75 billion in the first quarter of last year.

"First quarter U.S. retail sales were in line with our projections and we remain confident in our full-year plan despite international retail sales being down in the first quarter," said Matt Levatich, CEO, Harley-Davidson.