November 2018

Volkswagen develops traffic management system with quantum computers

(November 5, 2018) HERNDON, Va. — The Volkswagen Group is making further progress in its work with quantum computers. For the first time, Volkswagen experts have succeeded in developing on a quantum computer a traffic management system that will replace forecasts of urban traffic volumes, transport demand and travel times by precise calculations.

Buick adds Yelp for on-the-go reservations

(November 5, 2018) DETROIT — Drivers of properly equipped Buick vehicles can now make on-the-go reservations at a variety of restaurants with just a few taps on their infotainment touchscreen. Part of a recent update to Buick Marketplace, Yelp Reservations gives drivers access to thousands of restaurants nationwide. Marketplace, the industry’s first in-vehicle commerce platform, is one more way Buick is using connectivity to enhance vehicles and create new and convenient customer experiences.

Hyundai Motor Group reveals solar charging system technology

(November 5, 2018) SEOUL, S. Korea — Hyundai and Kia have announced plans to introduce solar charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles. Electricity-generating solar panels will be incorporated into the roof or the hood of vehicles, and will support internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles with additional electrical power, increasing fuel efficiency and range.

Honda Rugged Open Air Concept merges two Honda vehicles

(November 4, 2018) TORRANCE, Calif. — The Honda Rugged Open Air Vehicle concept has been unveiled in Las Vegas at the 2018 SEMA show. Combining elements of two production Honda vehicles from different genres, the Rugged Open Air Vehicle concept is based on Honda's Ridgeline pickup and its Pioneer 1000 side-by-side to create "the ultimate open-air off-road Honda adventure vehicle."

Ford recalls 215 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs for airbag issue

(November 3, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a recall for approximately 215 select 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010-12 Lincoln MKZ vehicles to replace airbag modules that may not fully inflate passenger airbags. Dealers will replace the vehicle’s passenger airbag module at no cost to customers.

In a crash requiring deployment of the passenger airbag, a bracket that secures the airbag inflator to the module housing may deform and allow gas that inflates the airbag to leak. An incomplete inflation of the passenger airbag could result in an increased likelihood of injury.

Audi designs concept car for animated film

(November 3, 2018) LOS ANGELES — Audi brings futuristic design and mobility to the big screen for the first time with the Audi RSQ e-tron, a fictional, virtual performance concept car created for Twentieth Century Fox’s animated film "Spies in Disguise." The full-battery electric model, created by Audi Design in cooperation with Blue Sky Studios, combines automated driving with artificial intelligence and transformational technology.

Volvo launches innovative Certified by Volvo program

(November 2, 2018) ROCKLEIGH, N.J.  — Volvo Car USA’s award-winning Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program continues to grow at a rapid pace. Through October, VCUSA CPO sales are up 24% for the year. Today, VCUSA announced the launch of the Certified by Volvo program, developed to meet the unique needs of certified vehicle buyers.

Through the new Certified by Volvo program, Volvo will offer its first ever unlimited mile certified warranty. Coverage term can be customized to each customer’s needs — extended protection terms of up to 8 years are available.

Mercedes AMG GT 63 fastest series production 4-seater at Nurburgring

(November 2, 2018) With an officially measured, certified and notarized time of 7:25:41, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is the world's fastest series production four-seater on the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring.

Mercedes-AMG Development Engineer Demian Schaffert sat behind the wheel of the fully equipped standard eight-cylinder model to achieve the record lap. The former racing driver was involved in developing the driving dynamics of the four-door coupe and demonstrated the performance of the powerful 630 hp sports car to impressive effect with his record lap.

BMW launches new 535-horsepower 8 Series convertible

(November 2, 2018) — BMW has introduced the first-ever BMW 8 Series Convertible, which joins the new BMW 8 Series Coupe in blending ultra-sporting driving dynamics with an emotional and elegant design. The soft-top, four-seat BMW M850i xDrive Convertible combines immense power and torque delivery from its updated 4.4L 8-cylinder turbocharged engine with tenacious grip and peerless poise from the advanced chassis, luxurious comfort and state-of-the-art innovations in technology, driver assistance and connectivity.

Lincoln Black Label Navigator customized for Jay Leno makes debut

(November 2, 2018) LAS VEGAS — A customized Lincoln Black Label Navigator, specially ordered by Jay Leno, made its debut this week at the annual SEMA show. The long-wheelbase Navigator was the only vehicle at the Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care show stand. It was customized by Van Nuys, Calif.-based Galpin Motors & Auto Sports under the direction of the Lincoln Design Studio.