April 2017

1955 Hudson Hornet



The Hudson Hornet, produced from 1951 through 1957, underwent a major re-design for the 1955 model year after Hudson merged with American Motors. Even with the new body style, which included a broad eggcrate grille and distinctive two-toning, sales were dismal, measured at 10,010 sedans in 1955. This 1955 model living in retirement in Texas is part of Peter Hubbard's Junkyard Dog collection. (Photo by Peter Hubbard)


 

Cadillac Super Cruise hands-free driving technology to be featured on CT6

(April 11, 2016) NEW YORK — The 2018 Cadillac CT6 will feature Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free driving technology for the highway. Unlike other driver assistance systems, Super Cruise utilizes two advanced technology systems — a driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data — to ensure safe and confident vehicle operation.

Toyota announces record $1.33 billion investment in Kentucky plant

(April 10, 2017) GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The future of automobile production is now. A $1.33 billion investment — the highest of any automaker in Kentucky and the second-largest in state history — will make Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. the first plant in North America to begin producing vehicles using Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).

Losing your car keys could make you a fortune

(April 10, 2017) LONDON — In 1996 a brand new Mercedes-Benz SL500 was stored in a central London garage in Knightsbridge, but the owner lost the keys, and it was never used again. Twenty-one years later the car was found by international auctioneers Coys and could fetch £55,000 ($68,145) at their Spring Classics auction on Wednesday (April 12) at the Royal Horticultural Society in London.

Purchased from Normand of Mayfair as a birthday present for its sole lady owner, it was driven just 80 miles before being stored.  

Ford to introduce truck brand to China including new Ranger in 2018

(April 10, 2017) SHANGHAI — Ford Motor Company plans to introduce its best-selling Built Ford Tough truck brand in China to pursue growth opportunities in the country’s emerging pickup market. Ford outlined the strategy Saturday at a special event in Shanghai led by President and CEO Mark Fields.

 In addition to announcing pricing for the F-150 Raptor high performance pickup going on sale now in China, Ford announced plans to start selling the globally popular Ford Ranger mid-size pickup in the market from 2018.

Don't overlook Nissan Rouge when shopping compact crossovers

By Peter Hubbard
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 10, 2017) If you’re in the market for a compact crossover — and it seems like maybe 20 percent of buyers are these days — the task of finding just the right one is getting harder and takes more work; lots more work.

New York's rich automotive history to be celebrated at auto show

(April 10, 2017) From Manhattan to Buffalo to Saratoga Springs and beyond, many people are surprised to learn that New York State was once home to over 100 different automobile manufacturers. At the 2017 New York International Automobile Show, organizers are celebrating New York State's automobile heritage with a special exhibition curated by the Saratoga Automobile Museum.

Tesla and the money men

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 9, 2017) If it hasn’t happened by the time you read this, Tesla’s stock price son will reach $300 per share. That’s an amazing number for a relatively low volume car company that continues to lose money. The latest uptick in price came when the company announced it had sold more than 25,000 vehicles in the first quarter of the year, beating analysts’ forecasts.

Infiniti QX80 Monograph is expression of futuristic luxury SUV

(April 8, 2017) NEW YORK — Infiniti has revealed the first look of its QX80 Monograph, a new design study exploring upscale luxury and signaling the brand's intention to further develop its standing in the full-size luxury SUV segment. The new concept combines luxury with a commanding presence and demonstrates the high levels of space and utility for which the QX80 production car is renowned.

Originating at Infiniti's design studio in Atsugi, Japan, the QX80 Monograph is the ultimate expression of futuristic luxury SUV design and illustrates how the design of Infiniti's QX80 could evolve.