December 2018

Ford begins first phase of construction at Michigan Central Station

(December 5, 2018) DETROIT — This week, Ford begins its renovation of 105-year-old Michigan Central Station in the historic Corktown neighborhood. In revitalizing this Detroit landmark into the centerpiece of a new campus, Ford seeks to shape the future of transportation. The three-phase project begins with the winterization of the massive building to dry it out from extensive water damage it sustained over the years and stabilizing the structure.

Aston Martin to 'future proof' classic cars with reversible EV powertrain

(December 5, 2018) With interest in classic cars growing every year and values of heritage models at an all-time high, Aston Martin Lagonda has pioneered a bold new plan: to future-proof these increasingly precious machines by creating the world’s first reversible EV powertrain conversion.

Volkswagen's all-electric cargo concept makes auto show debut

(December 3, 2018) The original Volkswagen Transporter is the most recognizable light commercial vehicle of all time. With the auto show premiere of the I.D. BUZZ CARGO concept in Los Angeles, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is showing how an electrically powered and completely redeveloped Transporter might change the world of commercial vehicles. Based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), and a sibling to the I.D. BUZZ concept first shown in Detroit last year, the CARGO could be launched as a production vehicle in Europe as early as 2022.

Subaru celebrates seven years of monthly sales records

(December 4, 2018) Subaru of America has reported 56,782 vehicle sales for November, a 9.8 percent increase compared to November 2017. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 615,594 vehicles, a 5.3 percent gain compared to the same period in 2017.

November marked the 57th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Ascent, Crosstrek and Forester sales were notably strong as each model achieved its best November ever.

No, it's not the end of the world, but Rolls-Royce now has an SUV

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 4, 2018) MIAMI — If you are among those who think the rising popularity of SUVs/crossovers and the decline of the family sedan is the coming of the end of the world, I have some bad news for you. In what could be interpreted as confirmation of the impending apocalypse, Rolls-Royce has brought an SUV to the market.

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross — New crossover eclipsed by rivals

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 3, 3018) For years there have been rumors and innuendo of Mitsubishi’s U.S. demise. The company has been mired in one scandal after another, including its admitted overstatement of the fuel economy of at least four models, including two under the Nissan badge. That misstep cost Mitsubishi some $3 billion, further damaging a brand that has already been losing market share.

Mercedes-AMG GT updated for 2020; limited edition GT R Pro added

(December 3, 3018) At its debut four years ago, the AMG GT confidently sought out competition on the world-wide sports car scene — and conquered a large part of the market. For model year 2020, the top athlete from Affalterbach now comes to the starting line honed even further, and with the new limited edition AMG GT R PRO.

In addition to exterior updates, the two-door AMG GT Coupes and Roadsters will be fitted with the AMG DYNAMICS integrated driving control system for added agility, a new AMG Performance steering wheel, the center console with innovative display buttons from the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and a fully digital instrument display with exclusive AMG "Superport" display style on the instrument cluster.

Volvo expands its Silicon Valley Tech Center

(December 3, 2018) SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Volvo Cars Silicon Valley Tech Center has opened the doors to its new, state-of-the-art facility in downtown Sunnyvale. The move, which almost triples the physical presence of the Silicon Valley Tech Center, grows the Swedish automaker’s initial foray into Silicon Valley established in September 2016.

All-new Volvo V60 luxury wagon will start at $39,895

(December 2, 2018) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Car USA has unveiled pricing for the second generation Volvo V60. Starting at $39,895 including destination charge, the first V60s will arrive on U.S. shores early next year.

The V60 is a five-door, mid-size luxury wagon, underlining the Swedish company’s position as a car maker that combine good looks with everyday practicality.  To accommodate the Volvo wagon buyer’s desire to fully customize their vehicle, the V60 will be offered exclusively via customer order production.

Nissan Leaf NISMO RC electric race car has nearly 3-second 0-to-60 time

(December 2, 2018) TOKYO — The all-new Nissan Leaf NISMO RC, an electric race car with more than double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor, was unveiled this past week in Tokyo. The unveiling took place at Nissan Crossing in the city's Ginza district. The car, which was developed by Nissan's racing arm, NISMO, with its race technology know-how, will officially debut today at the annual NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway, appearing alongside Nissan's new Formula E electric race car.