June 2019

Toyota to add automatic engine shut off and automatic park

(June 16, 2019) PLANO, Texas — Toyota has announced two feature updates to its vehicle line up — Automatic Engine Shut Off and Automatic Park.

Starting with most 2020 vehicles, Toyota will provide additional features such as automatic engine shut off or “Auto Shut Off” with an enhanced audible and visual warning to its Smart Key System (SKS).  The Auto Shut Off feature will automatically shut off the engine after a pre-determined period of time in the event the vehicle is left running.

BMW introduces Smart Glasses for dealership technicians

(June 16, 2019) BMW of North America has introduced new dealership and workshop communication technologies aimed at reducing repair and maintenance times at BMW Centers and MINI Dealers, increasing workshop efficiency, and ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

When fully implemented this month, the all-new Technical Information System TIS 2.0, together with the Technical Support & Research Assistant TSARA and the new TSARAVision Smart Glasses will provide technicians in the field with easier and faster access to technical information and a real-time live link to BMW engineers for additional support.

Mopar launches redesigned U.S. brand website

(June 15, 2019) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Mopar has launched a redesigned version of the brand’s official online headquarters, Mopar.com, featuring an owner-focused experience that places most vehicle information and customer-care resources just a click away.

The new-look website, developed for the U.S. market, was redesigned for today’s owners who demand the ability to schedule service, purchase a Mopar product, get answers to vehicle questions and much more — anytime, anywhere — without a phone call or in-store visit.

DB4 GT Zagato Continuation to make public debut at 24 Hours of Le Mans

(June 14, 2019) The first Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation — part of the Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection — to make its public debut at the world’s most famous endurance motorsport event Saturday and Sunday. Breaking cover at Aston Martin’s VIP hospitality facility alongside the famous French circuit, the first complete DB4 GT Zagato Continuation — one of just 19 cars being made — will be on show throughout the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Volvo, Uber present production vehicle ready for self-driving

(June 14, 2019) Volvo Cars and Uber, the leading ride-hailing firm, have presented a jointly developed production car capable of driving by itself, the next step in the strategic collaboration between both companies.

Uber and Volvo entered a joint engineering agreement in 2016 and have since developed several prototypes aimed at accelerating the companies’ self-driving car development. The Volvo XC90 SUV presented this week is the first production car that in combination with Uber’s self-driving system is capable of fully driving itself.

Ford issues four separate safety recalls

(June 14, 2019) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Company is issuing three safety recalls in North America and one for Canada only. The recalls involve more than 1.3 million vehicles.

A safety recall of about 1.2 million 2011-2017 Ford Explorers involves a rear suspension toe link fracture issue. Vehicles that are exposed to frequent full rear suspension articulation (jounce and rebound) may experience a fractured rear suspension toe link. A fracture of a rear toe link significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Suzuki partners with Laguna Seca raceway for Superbike packages

(June 14, 2019) MONTEREY, Calif. — Suzuki Motor of America  furthers its commitment to motorcycle road racing and its fan base in the United States with a sponsorship that offers fans exclusive ticket packages to the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship GEICO Motorcycle U.S. Round with MotoAmerica at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on July 12-14.

Unique McLaren sports car and supercar line-up brought together

(June 13, 2019) WORKING, Surrey, England — For the first time McLaren has reunited a unique collection of its modern sports cars and supercars at the luxury maker’s global headquarters in Woking, Surrey.

The special line-up of 23 cars, estimated to be worth around £50m ($63.5 million), included iconic models such as the P1TM GTR — the track version of the world’s first ever hybrid hypercar — through to the new McLaren Speedtail of which only 106 will ever be produced – and was assembled to help celebrate the company’s employee, friends and family open day.

Aston Martin produces first SUVs at St Athan, Wales

(June 13, 2019) ST ATHAN, Wales — Aston Martin Lagonda’s second UK manufacturing plant has started to produce cars, as the latest pre-production models of the luxury British carmaker’s first SUV, the Aston Martin DBX, are built.
 
The 90-acre, former Ministry of Defense site at St Athan in Wales was announced as the second UK plant for Aston Martin Lagonda in early 2016 and since then the whole site, including three "Super Hangars," has been transformed into a modern manufacturing facility for our hand-crafted British cars.
 

GM to invest $150 million in Flint Truck Assembly plant

(June 13, 2019) FLINT, Mich. — General Motors today announced the second major expansion of its full-size pickup production capacity this year — a $150 million investment at Flint Assembly to increase production of the all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, which begin shipping to dealers this week.

This news follows GM’s announcement last month to expand light-duty, full-size pickup production capacity in Fort Wayne, Ind., in response to strong customer demand.