May 2018

Mercedes-Benz sets worldwide sales record in April

(May 7, 2018) STUTTGART, Germany — In the first three months of this year, Mercedes-Benz posted its strongest-selling quarter of all time defending its top position in the premium segment. The company continued with this successful start in April with 192,558 cars delivered to customers around the world — a 6.6 percent increase over 2017 — more than ever before at the beginning of a second quarter.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic begins global expansion

(May 7, 2018) ESSEN, Germany — Jaguar Land Rover Classic is accelerating its global expansion strategy with the opening of a brand-new Classic Centre in Germany — the first facility of its kind outside the UK. The new Classic Centre in Essen is directly operated by Jaguar Land Rover Classic, providing factory service in Germany.

In addition the company is also introducing a service to support classic car enthusiasts seeking pre-owned Jaguar Land Rover classic vehicles using the new ‘Works Legends’ online portal:www.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/workslegends

Ford 'torture' testing 2019 Ranger to ensure durability

(May 6, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — From grueling lab tests to robotic testing too harsh for humans to endure, from jagged trails in the Australian Outback to the Arizona desert, Ford is torturing its 2019 Ranger to make sure the all-new truck is up to Built Ford Tough durability standards and ready for adventure.

Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR to be unveiled in Austria

(May 5, 2018) HERNDON, Va. — On Wednesday, May 9, around 7,300 cars and 125,000 people are expected to turn the town of Reifnitz am Wörthersee in Austria into the Mecca of the Golf GTI world. A special highlight of the world’s largest GTI gathering this year will be the debut of the near-production-ready Golf GTI TCR. This top model in the GTI range, with 286 horsepower, will be launched at the end of the year.

Enhancing the user experience through augmented reality

(May 5, 2018) Late last year, Mercedes-Benz USA rolled out the pilot of a new augmented reality application known as "Ask Mercedes" that allows customers to explore features of their vehicle in an engaging and intuitive way. The new service makes use of augmented reality technology that supplements a camera image with computer-generated content.

With the application's augmented reality capabilities, customers can get an answer to questions about operating their new vehicle in real time without ever opening an owner's manual.

BMW Motorrad will have display, demo rides at Americade

(May 4, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Motorrad USA will roll into scenic Lake George, N.Y., with its distinctive demo truck and motorcycle apparel display for Americade, the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, held June 4-9.From June 6-9, BMW Motorrad USA will offer demo rides from Fort William Henry — Americade’s headquarters. 

Advanced technology leads GM into next-generation lightweighting

(May 4, 2018) DETROIT — General Motors is using new, advanced software design technology to introduce the next generation of vehicle lightweighting. The technology is key to developing efficient and lighter alternative propulsion and zero emission vehicles.

GM is the first automaker in North America to use new generative design software technology from Bay Area-based software company Autodesk.

Lotus launches new Exige Sport 410; 0-60 in 3.3 seconds

(May 4, 2018) With a stunning combination of raw speed and real-world ability, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 completes the Exige family of sports cars. Starting with the revised Exige Sport 350, the Exige range now includes the new Exige Sport 410 and culminates with the extreme Exige Cup 430 — each at a distinct price point, performance level and degree of motorsport focus.

Developed directly from the track focused Exige Cup 430, the Exige Sport 410 is designed to be the ultimate road drive, "unrivaled in its class" according to Lotus.

Toyota to open automated vehicle test facility in Michigan

(May 4, 2018) OTTAWA LAKE, Mich. — The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is constructing a closed-course test facility to develop automated vehicle technology. Construction permits were filed this week to transform an approximately 60-acre site at Michigan Technical Resource Park (MITRP) in Ottawa Lake. When it becomes operational this October, the new site will be used exclusively by TRI to safely replicate demanding “edge case” driving scenarios, too dangerous to perform on public roads.

Brabham is back with the BT62

(May 3, 2018) LONDON — Building on a remarkable 70-year racing pedigree, David Brabham has announced Brabham’s return to manufacturing at a gala event in central London, with the global launch of Brabham Automotive’s first product, the BT62.

The Brabham BT62 continues the legendary ‘BT’ naming convention established by founders Jack Brabham and Ron Tauranac in the 1960s and honors the legacy of the marque’s greatest and most memorable cars.