November 2018

Finalists named for North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year awards

(November 29, 2018) LOS ANGELES — Finalists for the 2019 North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Awards were announced Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Honda, with two vehicles among the finalists, has a chance to extend its NACTOY winning streak to a fourth consecutive year.

The three car finalists are the Genesis G70, Honda Insight and the Volvo S60. The utility finalists are the Acura RDX, Hyundai Kona and the Jaguar I-Pace. They beat out offerings such as the Jeep Wrangler, Cadillac XT4 and BMW X5.

Toyota Prius adds electric all-wheel drive system for 2019

(November 28, 2018) LOS ANGELES — When it comes to the 2019 Prius, “Let’s Go Places” can be expanded to “let’s go more places, in more conditions” thanks to the available new AWD-e system. Designed to provide more confidence and control when weather and road conditions are less than ideal, the electric all-wheel drive system further expands where the Prius can take drivers.
 

Cadillac Escalade gets special black edition for 2019

(November 28, 2018) LOS ANGELES — Cadillac is introducing the 2019 Sport Edition, a bold new look for those who aren’t afraid of the dark. This new black-accented version is the first special edition available for the current generation of the sales- and segment-leading, SUV.

Offered on Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum models, the new Sport Edition is distinguished by gloss black exterior trim, including the front grilles, window moldings, body side moldings and more, as well as a unique Midnight Silver finish on the standard 22-inch wheels.

RM Sotheby's to auction rare and iconic hot rods at Petersen Museum

(November 28, 2018) LOS ANGELES — The Petersen Automotive Museum will host an RM Sotheby’s auction on Dec. 8 marking the first time the museum has been the location for an auction since its $90-million remodel in 2015. Topping the list of exceptional cars offered is an assortment of historically significant period-correct customs and Southern California hot rods, harkening back to the “Hot Rod Magazine” empire built by Petersen Founder and namesake Robert E. Petersen more than 70 years ago.

Volvo and Luminar show groundbreaking autonomous technology

(November 28, 2018) Volvo Cars and Luminar, a leading start-up in the development of core sensing technology for autonomous vehicles, are demonstrating the most advanced LiDAR sensor and perception capabilities to date at this year’s Automobility LA trade show in Los Angeles.

The ongoing development of LiDAR technology, which uses pulsed laser signals to detect objects, is a crucial element in creating safe autonomous cars. It allows autonomous cars to navigate safely in complex traffic environments and at higher speeds by providing these cars with reliable long-range perception capabilities.

More dynamic eighth-generation 2020 Porsche 911 revealed

(November 28, 2018) ATLANTA — Faster, more emotional, and more connected — the eighth generation of the Porsche 911 is here. On the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new 911 celebrated its world premiere at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles. With an exterior that unmistakably reflects the Porsche design DNA, a more muscular look, and a completely new interior layout, the new 911 is both timeless and modern.

GM to close five North American plants; terminate six car models

(November 27, 2018) General Motors on Monday announced a major restructuring that will close five plants in North America and two plants elsewhere, and discontinue six car models. The automaker said Lordstown Assembly in Ohio and Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in Michigan will not be allocated any products beginning in 2019, while Oshawa Assembly in Canada is slated for closure late next year. Propulsion plants in Maryland and Michigan also will not be given any product.

Rivian launches world's first electric 'adventure vehicles'

(November 28, 2018) LOS ANGELES — Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, unveiled its highly anticipated Electric Adventure Vehicles — the R1T, an all-electric pickup and the R1S, an all-electric SUV — at events surrounding the LA Auto Show this week. The R1T, a 5-passenger pickup truck, debuted at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Nov. 26, and the R1S, a 7-passenger SUV, was revealed at the automaker's press conference at Automobility on Nov. 27.