October 2018

Genesis Essentia concept ‘Star of the Show’ at Miami Auto Show

(October 8, 2018) MIAMI — The Genesis Essentia Concept vehicle earned top honors as “Star of the Show” for the 2018 Miami International Auto Show at the annual show luncheon hosted by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) and sponsored by Volkswagen.
  
A panel of five judges chaired by SAMA member Juan G. Robbin chose the all-electric concept from a field of hundreds of vehicles on display at the 48th edition of the show.

Mercedes-Benz worldwide sales hit 202,819 in September; down from 2017

(October 8, 2018) STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz sold 202,819 vehicles worldwide in September — down 8.2% from 2017 — and was at the high prior-year level in the first nine months of the year with sales of 1,715,087 units. In the third quarter, 526,255 vehicles were delivered to customers.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz certified its entire fleet for Europe according to the WLTP standard with effect as of Sept. 1. Certified vehicles are already on their way to the retailers, but despite the ongoing strong demand, it was not possible to fulfill all customers’ wishes in September.

Volkswagen Chattanooga hits production milestone of 100,000 Atlas SUVs

(October 8, 2018) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Volkswagen Chattanooga has announced that it achieved a production milestone with the completion of the 100,000th Volkswagen Atlas. Assembled in the LEED Platinum-certified production facility in Chattanooga, the 100,000th SUV is a 2019 Atlas SEL premium, finished in Pacific Blue, with Shetland V-Tex leatherette interior. The Atlas has a 3.6-liter direct-injection VR6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission.

Ford says new midsize Ranger to have best-in-class towing, payload

(October 7, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — It’s almost here. As the 2019 Built Ford Tough Ranger nears production, Ford announces its all-new midsize pickup for North America will deliver best-in-class payload, gas torque and towing capability. Anchored by a high-strength steel frame and solid rear axle with Hotchkiss suspension, the Ranger can conventionally tow more than any gas engine truck in its class — 7,500 pounds when equipped with the tow package and a trailer brake controller.

Toyota recalling 168,000 Tundra, Sequoia, Avalon vehicles for airbag issue

(October 6, 2018) PLANO, Texas — Toyota is conducting a recall involving certain 2018-2019 Tundra and Sequoia, and 2019 Avalon vehicles in the United States. Approximately 168,000 vehicles are involved in this recall.

Due to inappropriate programming in the airbag electronic control unit (ECU), a fault may be erroneously detected during vehicle startup which would disable one or more of the sensors used to detect crashes.

Honda demonstrates new 'Smart Intersection' technology

(October 5, 2018) MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Honda has held a demonstration of its "Smart Intersection" technology for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication designed to reduce traffic collisions at roadway intersections, one of the first such deployments of V2X technology in a real-world setting.
Developed in partnership with the City of Marysville as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project, the pilot project seeks to address the limitations of on-board vehicle sensors in addressing traffic collisions at roadway intersections.

Toyota to recall 2.4 million hybrids globally over stalling issue

(October 5, 2018) TOKYO — Toyota will recall 2.43 million gasoline-electric hybrids in the U.S. and abroad over a hybrid system issue that can lead to stalling. The recall, which includes the Prius and Auris, covers vehicles produced between October 2008 and November 2014, the automaker said on Friday.

The recall affects about 1.25 million vehicles sold in Japan, 830,000 in North America (807,000 in the U.S.), and 290,000 vehicles sold in Europe. Vehicles sold in China, Africa, Oceania and other regions are also affected.

1933 Isotta Fraschini, 1937 Packard win top awards at Atlanta Concours

(October 5, 2018) ATLANTA, Ga. — There was something for everyone this year at the Third Annual Atlanta Concours d’Elegance — from mint julep ice cream on the grounds of world-renowned Chateau Elan to an international food flow with outstanding latte service — but the cars were still the stars. 

Michigan tests show Ford Police Interceptor Utility quickest cop car

(October 5, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — A sport utility from Ford is the best-selling cop car in America, and now it is the best accelerating and fastest police vehicle in America, according to preliminary test data from the Michigan State Police.

This year, Ford bested all entries, including V8-equipped sedans, with its EcoBoost-powered all-wheel-drive version of the all-new 2020 Police Interceptor Utility, posting fastest 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph times, as well as fastest lap and fastest average lap.

2019 Honda Insight — The third time’s the charm

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(October 4, 2018) It comes as a surprise to most people that Toyota Prius wasn’t the first hybrid electric vehicle sold in the U.S. Rather, it was the Honda Insight, an odd looking three-door, two passenger hatchback that arrived in 1999 as a 2000 model, seven months earlier than the Prius. Fuel economy estimates under then-current EPA standards were 61 mpg city, 70 mpg highway, and 65 mpg combined.