November 2018

12th-generation 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan unveiled in California

(November 17, 2018) CARMEL-by-the-SEA, Calif. — With more than 46 million Toyota Corollas sold globally since its introduction in 1966, it would be difficult to find a driver who did not recognize the name. Everyone, it seems, has a Corolla story. Many, though are going to be doing double takes when they see the re-imagined and reconfigured 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan. And that’s exactly the point.

Groundbreaking held for joint Toyota, Mazda plant in Huntsville, Ala.

(November 17, 2018) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The first shovel of dirt was turned this week on what will become a jointly owned-and-operated automotive production plant that will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles a year, beginning in 2021. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. (MTMUS) is expected to create 4,000 jobs, with a $1.6 billion investment split by the two companies.

The plant will build Toyota’s Corolla, whose all-new 2020 model was unveiled on Wednesday in California, and Mazda’s yet-to-be revealed crossover model.

Italian plant to become new home of Mopar hub serving world markets

(November 16, 2018) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The historic Fiat plant in Rivalta, located near Turin in Italy, is set to become one of the Mopar brand’s global parts and distribution centers serving Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and additional world markets.
 
Prompted by the rapid global expansion of Mopar, the service, parts and customer-care brand for FCA vehicles, this project will transform a former vehicle production plant into an innovative, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable parts and accessories storage and distribution warehouse.

Honda reviving Passport SUV; to be unveiled Nov. 27 in L.A.

(November 16, 2018) TORRANCE, Calif. — With a video teasing its on- and off-road capabilities and adventuresome spirit, Honda has announced it will unveil the all-new 2019 Honda Passport on Nov. 27, the day before making its auto show global debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The original Passport, a derivative of the Isuzu Rodeo, was Honda's first SUV and was marketed from the 1994 through 2002 model years.

Chinese automaker Zotye forms distribution company to sell cars in U.S.

(November 15, 2018) LAKE FOREST, Calif. — The formation of a new sales and distribution company in the United States for the Chinese auto brand Zotye Automobile has been announced by Duke Hale, chairman and chief executive officer of HAAH Automotive Holdings and Wangsheng Zhu, chairman of Zotye Automobile International Co. The new company will be known as Zotye USA and headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif.

Zotye Automobile International Co. designs, engineers, manufactures and sells the Zotye brand vehicles in China and globally.

DBX: Prototype of Aston Martin's first SUV begins testing

(November 15, 2018) GAYDON, England — Aston Martin has made a significant and symbolic stride towards the luxury brand’s first SUV — now officially confirmed as being named DBX — with the first development prototype being put through its paces along a demanding Welsh Rally stage in the hands of the company’s chief engineer, Matt Becker.
 
This first test for DBX signifies the start of an extensive testing program. One that has begun in Wales, as a nod to Aston Martins’ new St Athan production facility in the Vale of Glamorgan.
 

With launch of Ranger, Ford makes Yakima outdoor accessories available

(November 15, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — To better meet the needs of adventure-seeking Ford customers, Ford Accessories will offer Yakima outdoor adventure products through Ford dealerships starting with the launch of the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger in early 2019.

Ranger customers will be able to select from a range of available Yakima accessories, and can choose to add the cost to their vehicle financing.

BMW introduces most powerful non-M 3 Series sports sedan

(November 15, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has introduced the most powerful non-M 3 Series ever — the 2020 BMW M340i and M340i xDrive Sedans. The new top of the range, seventh generation, M Performance 3 Series will make its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show Nov. 30 – Dec. 9 with the M340i xDrive model.

Chevy Performance releases Colorado ZR2 race parts

(November 14, 2018) DETROIT — Chevrolet continues to expand the Colorado ZR2 midsize truck’s performance envelope with the introduction of 15 factory race components developed and validated over 10,000 miles of off-road racing.

The parts were developed by Chevrolet Performance engineering in collaboration with Multimatic and Hall Racing.

Genuine Scooters announces its first motorcycle, the G400C

(November 14, 2018) CHICAGO — Genuine Scooters today announced its entrance into the motorcycle arena in grand style with the release of their G400C motorcycle.

“Genuine Scooters has built its reputation selling high quality scooters that are both affordable and fun to ride,” said Dorothy Hanley, president of Genuine Scooters.