January 2018

Nissan has sold 75,000 vehicles with its ProPILOT technology

(January 12, 2018) Nissan has announced that it reached the milestone of selling 75,000 vehicles equipped with its ProPILOT Assist autonomous driving technology (known as ProPILOT in markets outside North America).

ProPILOT embodies Nissan's commitment to making vehicles safer and more exciting to drive through its advanced technologies, part of the company's Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision for changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated into society.

GMC closes 2017 with best year-end sales since 2005

(January 12, 2018) DETROIT — GMC closed out a solid year of sales performance with a 3 percent increase in total sales year over year for 2017 and 1 percent increase in retail sales year over year. Additionally, the average transaction price (ATP) for GMC trucks and SUVs has steadily increased 35 percent over the last 10 years, from $32,600 in 2007 to $43,800 at the end of 2017, which is the highest in GMC U.S. retail history. GMC ended 2017 with a 54-day supply of inventory.

BMW Motorrad USA outperforms industry in 2017

(January 11, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Motorrad reported sales of 13,546 motorcycles for 2017, down just 1.3% from the 13,730 motorcycles sold in 2016.  However, despite the slight downturn, BMW outpaced the rest of the motorcycle industry — which was down 3.2% — and its relevant competition, which was down 6.3%.

Sales of BMW motorcycles increased 37.3% in December 2017 (1,270 units) compared to December sales in 2016 (925 units), capping eight months of steady growth over the previous year in BMW Motorrad’s strongest export market. 

Kia releases design renderings of all-new 2019 Forte sedan

(January 11, 2018) Ahead of the global debut of the all-new 2019 Kia Forte sedan at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Kia Motors today revealed design renderings of the compact sedan. 

While the third-generation Forte retains its sporty and youthful image, it has graduated with a more sophisticated appearance thanks to a number of sleek and dynamic styling cues inspired by the Stinger fastback sport sedan. What is most noticeable is that the Forte has evolved from a cab-forward design to one that is decidedly swept-back.

Toyota to show all-new Avalon at Detroit auto show

(January 11, 2018) DETROIT — The Toyota exhibit at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will feature Toyota’s vehicle lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs, including the world premiere of the all-new 2019 Avalon, future mobility vehicles and one-of-a-kind NASCAR Camry designs in a 38,971-square-foot display.

The Detroit premier of the FT-4X Concept will also be on display. NAIAS takes place at Cobo Center Jan.13-28 in Detroit.
 

World's largest vintage motorcycle auction set for Jan 23-27

(January 11, 2018) LAS VEGAS — Following record sales in 2017, this year’s 27th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction will feature an estimated 1,750 antique, vintage and collectible motorcycles to cross the auction block Tuesday, Jan. 23 through Saturday, Jan. 27 inside the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center and Priefert Pavilion.

The extravaganza has become an annual gathering of consignors, buyers and spectators sharing a passion for the history, beauty and camaraderie among enthusiasts from around the world.
 

Volvo XC60 named 2017's overall safest car in Euro NCAP testing

(January 11, 2018) Volvo Cars’ XC60 has been crowned the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance of 2017 in the prestigious Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards.

The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98 per cent in the Adult Occupant category and in its Large Off-Road class, showed a clear advantage in Safety Assist with a score of 95 per cent —– 20 percentage points higher than the nearest Large Off-Road competitor – underlining Volvo Cars’ position as a leader in automotive safety.

BMW M increases number of exclusive showrooms worldwide

(January 11, 2018) Demand within the high-performance automobile segment is on the increase, as are the expectations of customers: BMW M is reacting accordingly with its trade organization by expanding its worldwide network of exclusive showrooms. During the last four years, the number of BMW M certified dealers has doubled worldwide to 850 businesses.

The latest example of this is the exclusive location “Performance Munich Autos” in Singapore, where BMW M and BMW M Performance models are offered in addition to M specific workshop services.

Mazda, Toyota select Alabama for new U.S. joint venture auto plant

(January 11, 2018) MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle joined Mazda and Toyota leaders on Wednesday to announce the automakers have selected Huntsville, Ala, as the site of their new joint-venture manufacturing plant. The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly between two lines for each company to produce Mazda’s crossover model that will be newly introduced to the North American market and the Toyota Corolla.

Dodge truck on Route 66



Dodge started building trucks in 1914, and 20 years later the Dodge branch of Chrysler Motor Company was one of the nation's top truck builders. This mid-1930s truck was found displayed on old Route 66 in Paris Springs Junction, Mo.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)