August 2017

2018 Volkswagen T-Roc introduced in Italy; not coming to U.S.

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 27, 2017) Volkswagen premiered its new T-Roc small SUV in Italy this past week. The diminutive SUV is based on the same MQB structure as the Golf and Atlas yet, interestingly for a company that just launched the Atlas and a new Tiguan in the U.S., there are no plans to sell the T-Roc in the U.S., despite the rapid growth of the compact SUV market.

Dog power vs. horsepower in Discovery Sport snow tunnel challenge

(August 26, 2017) MAHWAH, N.J. — With an estimated 50 percent of Land Rover customers globally owning or regularly traveling with a dog, Land Rover has put its canine capability to the test by transporting a team of sled dogs to an underground snow tunnel in Finland for a unique training challenge.

Land Rover took a team of husky dogs in need of training ahead of winter championships to the Vesileppis Ski Tunnel in Finland, for a much-needed sprint around a snow track.

Ford study shows millennials begin pivot to suburbs, kids, big SUVs

(August 25, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Having put off becoming homeowners, starting families and buying cars, leading-edge millennials — part of America’s largest demographic — are now beginning to act more like their baby boomer parents after all.

For many years, student debt, a tough job market and tight lending standards were the bane of this generation’s existence. But life is improving on those fronts, and kids are entering the picture. Along with growing families comes the need for more space and better schools, most often found in suburban areas.

2014 Ferrari LaFerrari sells for $3.45 million at Mecum Monterey auction

(August 26, 2017) This year’s Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey, Calif., at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course saw 328 vehicles hammer sold Aug. 16-19 for overall sales totals of $34 million.

AAMCO to open 18 new transmission centers nationwide

(August 25, 2017) HORSHAM, Pa. — AAMCO Transmissions has announced that it will open 18 new service center locations with new and existing franchisees across the country. This latest growth news comes during a strong year for franchise development for the company.

The new AAMCO service centers will be located throughout the U.S. in cities from Los Angeles; Queen Creek, Ariz.; and Katy, Texas to Teaneck, N.J.; New Orleans and Miami.

Michigan launches platform to connect audiences at Detroit Auto Show

(August 25, 2017) The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), has announced a business-to- business and business-to- industry connection platform that will be a first-ever at an auto show.

“Last year was a great inaugural event of the AutoMobili-D platform at the North American International Auto Show,” Governor Rick Snyder said. “Next year will be even better because in Michigan, we're always seeking ways to improve. More people will be able to see how connected and autonomous vehicles are being developed and how they can change our lives for the better.

Classic Auto Show returns to L.A. March 2-4 with 1,000 cars

(August 24, 2017) LOS ANGELES — The second annual Classic Auto Show (CAS) will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 2-4 showcasing more than 1,000 cars — including never-before seen collections and vehicles from over 65 Southern California car clubs. The event will include a pair of new stages and expansion to two complete floors.

Back by popular demand will be the Grand Boulevard, which will provide show-goers with a historical walk-through of automotive history, with a stunning display of the finest classic and historic vehicles from all eras.

Honda launches new phase of Green Dealer Program

(August 24, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — Building on its commitment to minimize the environmental impact of its products in every phase of their life cycle, Honda is launching the next phase of its Environmental Leadership Program, or Green Dealer Program, to provide independently-owned U.S. Honda and Acura dealers with new tools to evaluate and measurably reduce energy and water use, saving money while enhancing their environmentally responsible business operations.

Mercedes-Benz, North Face take spectacular tour of Canada, Alaska

(August 24, 2017) STUTTGART — Mercedes-Benz and the American outdoor equipment supplier The North Face went on a spectacular content creation tour through Canada and Alaska together with "German Roamers," the photographic collective.

Three members of the German Roamers travelled from Whitehorse in Canada to Anchorage in Alaska in two Mercedes-Benz G‑Class in the course of 13 days, recording for Mercedes-Benz — in still photos and videos — the off-road legend in the fascinating surroundings of the American north with its breathtaking panoramas.