January 2018

Harley-Davidson sales, revenue, income down year-over-year

(January 30, 2018) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson fourth quarter 2017 diluted EPS decreased to $0.05 from $0.27 in the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 net income was $8.3 million on consolidated revenue of $1.23 billion versus net income of $47.2 million on consolidated revenue of $1.11 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016.

8 Ford performance models, 8 Ford GT race drivers — One track

(January 30, 2018) It’s the ultimate track showdown: Eight models from the Ford Performance global line-up on a circuit together for the very first time, pushed to their limits by the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team drivers. In a new video from Ford Performance, filmed at the Motorland race circuit near Barcelona, Spain, the Ford F-150 Raptor; Fiesta ST, all-new Fiesta ST, Focus RS, new Mustang GT, Mustang GT350R, Ford GT road car and Ford GT race car go head-to-head in a staggered time trial around one lap of the 5.345 km circuit.

1931 Ford crowned America's Most Beautiful Roadster at show

(January 29, 2018) PAMONA, Calif. — A 1931 Ford Roadster owned by Dave Martin and built by Signal Hill, Calif.-based Hot Rods & Hobbies earned the coveted “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” Sunday during the closing ceremonies of the 69th annual Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) at the Fairplex in Pomona.

Ram introduces the luxury-infused 2019 Laramie Longhorn Edition

(January 29, 2018) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram has announced the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition, the luxury truck of the new iteration which will arrive later this year. FCA says the Ram Laramie Longhorn has become the world's benchmark for upscale pickup trucks and has earned the title Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas from the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) two years in a row.

Acura RDX — A concept that will soon go into production

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 29, 2018) Though displayed as a concept at the Detroit auto show, the Acura RDX Concept is a near production vehicle. How near? At the annual Honda Christmas party weeks prior to the auto show, the RDX chief engineer said: “The [production version’s] mirrors are bigger, the standard wheels are slightly different, and there are some other very minor differences. That’s about it.”

Return of Type S and new V6 turbo point Acura back to performance

(January 28, 2018) DETROIT — In conjunction with the global debut of the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype at the Detroit auto show earlier this month and building upon the NSX supercar as the pinnacle expression of Precision Crafted Performance, Acura announced new details on the future performance strategy of its core model lineup.

The plans include the launch of a new turbocharged V6 powerplant exclusive to future Acura products, the return of its vaunted Type-S performance brand in the coming years and expansion of A-Spec sports variants to include all core models in the future.

Mecum returns to Pomona with 600 muscle cars, classics

(January 27, 2018) Mecum Auctions is set to return to the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 16-17 for its Los Angeles 2018 auction, which will feature an estimated 600 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, exotics, Hot Rods, Resto Mods and more. Headlining the auction are a pair of investment-grade, ultra-high-performance sports cars bearing names straight out of motorsports history.

Genesis to establish independent dealer network in the U.S.

(January 28, 2018) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America and Genesis Motor America have informed existing Hyundai dealers that offers would be forthcoming soon to pave the way to establishing a distinct and properly-sized Genesis retail network. Additionally, certain dealers who are parties to the Genesis Participation Agreement (GPA), currently doing business in defined key markets, will be given the first opportunity to apply for the Genesis franchise.