September 2017

Mercedes-Benz to invest $1 billion for electric vehicles at Alabama plant

(September 22, 2017) TUSCALOOSA, Ala. —  Mercedes-Benz will set up electric vehicle production in the United States at its Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant. The company plans to produce EQ-branded fully electric utility vehicles. In addition, a battery plant will also be built near the existing passenger-car plant ensuring availability of cutting-edge technology for future generations of Mercedes-Benz vehicles built in the U.S.

Volvo reveals all-new compact XC40 sport utility

(September 21, 2017) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Cars introduces the XC40 SUV, setting a new benchmark for design, technology and safety in the compact SUV market. Award winning technology from the 90 and 60 series cars are standard in the XC40, including safety innovations rarely offered among competitors. The Volvo XC40 will be among the safest, well-equipped compact SUVs available. At launch, the T5 all-wheel drive Momentum trim will start at $35,200. In summer 2018, a T4 front wheel drive will be introduced starting at $33,200.

Pirelli expands dedicated 'Pirelli Collezione' tire range to classic cars

(September 21, 2017) NEW YORK — Pirelli has announced deliveries of the Pirelli Collezione — a dedicated tire range for classic and vintage car enthusiasts that infuses Pirelli’s new, technologically advanced compounds into classic tire sizes.

Available for historic models dating back to the ’50s, Pirelli Collezione combines new technology with the correct period look to create a classic car owner’s dream — allowing peak performance on today’s street or track while still paying homage to the car’s original character and authenticity.

Fiat Chrysler to recall 494,000 Ram pickups for water pump issue

(September 21, 2017) Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said earlier this week it will recall 494,000 medium and heavy-duty Ram pickups worldwide because of a water pump that could overheat and potentially cause a fire.

The recall includes 2013-2017 model year Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups with 6.7-liter diesel engines, including 443,000 vehicles in the United States.

Land Rover Discovery takes on 121-ton road train and wins

(September 21, 2017) The Land Rover Discovery HSE Td6 has taken on a 121-ton road train and the Australian Outback…and won. During the ultimate towing test, the Land Rover Discovery towed a seven-trailer semi-truck from a stopped position for a total of nearly 10 miles. Land Rover completed the impressive display of towing capability by pulling a 328-ft road train in the remote Northern Territory of Australia to announce the arrival of the 2018 model year Discovery Discovery HSE Td6.

An Arizona Chevrolet tow truck


This very interesting looking Chevrolet tow truck was discovered in Mayer, Ariz., by Jim Prueter. We seldom come up empty handed when doing research to identify vehicles, but this one has us stumped. It looks a lot like an early '60s Corvair truck, but the front end does not match up with the Corvair. Only certainty — it's from the early '60s and it probably hauled a few broken down cars in its day. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

2018 Acura MDX brings updated tech, sporty colors

(September 20, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2018 Acura MDX luxury SUV begins arriving at Acura dealerships today with a faster, more capable and modern user interface, vivid new colors and a starting price of $44,200, just $150 more than the outgoing model.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and has been recognized by Edmunds.com as the “Most Wanted Luxury Midsize SUV” (2017) and as “Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for the Money” (2017) by U.S. News & World Report.

GM's Ohio and Indiana plants to meet electricity needs with wind

(September 20, 2017) DETROIT — All of GM’s Ohio and Indiana manufacturing facilities — including those that build the Chevrolet Cruze and Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickup trucks — will meet their electricity needs through 100 percent renewable energy. GM is buying a total of 200 megawatts of wind energy from Ohio and Illinois wind farms.

Once the turbines come online by the end of 2018, renewable energy will power 20 percent of GM’s global electricity use.

New plug-in hybrid Mercedes S-Class 560e has 25 miles all-electric range

(September 19, 2017) STUTTGART, Germany — The latest addition to the S-Class family is a new-generation plug-in hybrid. With an on-board 7.2-kW charger that allows for fast charging of the battery, the S560e has an approximate all-electric range of 25 miles. The S560e Sedan debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt International Auto Show and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2019.

BMW Motorrad USA goes full throttle at Columbus Expo

(September 20, 2017) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Motorrad USA is going full throttle at the upcoming American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Sept. 21-24.

Reinforcing its commitment to the creative ingenuity of individual builders and the renaissance of motorcycle customization, BMW Motorrad USA is the presenting sponsor of the Custom Culture Pavilion, a popular high-traffic exhibit area for aftermarket manufacturers of custom products, performance engine components and lifestyle apparel.