May 2020

2021 Toyota Sienna minivan comes with standard hybrid powertrain

(May 21, 2020) PLANO, Texas — Aiming to redefine the segment, the fourth generation Toyota Sienna reimagines the minivan to support a wider array of life stages and activities.  Toyota says that with a standard hybrid powertrain now across all trims and an array of new tech and amenities, the 2021 Toyota Sienna raises the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility and fuel efficiency in its segment.

Hyundai showcases miniature model of smart mobility ecosystem

(May  20, 2020) SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Company is showing its smart mobility ecosystem model in the lobby of its headquarters until June 12 and at other key global events afterward in order to further communicate its future mobility vision. The 1:8-scale model on display is a miniature of the exhibit shown at CES 2020 and includes integration of its Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV) and Hub (Mobility Transit Base) smart mobility solutions as part of a dynamic human-centered future cityscape.

Genesis announces pricing for all-new 2021 G80 starting at $47,700

(May 20, 2020) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., — The all-new 2021 Genesis G80 executive luxury sedan goes on sale this summer with a 2.5T inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 3.5T V-6 twin-turbocharged engine. G80s equipped with the 2.5T engine will be available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), with a starting price of $47,700. G80s equipped with the 3.5T engine are also available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), with a starting price of $59,100.

New 2021 BMW ALPINA XB7 offers first-class adventures at warp speed

(May 20, 2020) BUCHLOE, Germany — ALPINA has introduced its first Sports Activity Vehicle for the U.S. market, the new BMW ALPINA XB7. Based on BMW’s X7 model line, the XB7 joins the B7 Sedan in ALPINA’s U.S. lineup this fall. The power and torque produced by the performance ALPINA 4.4-liter V8 and the agility and handling capabilities of the ALPINA sport suspension place the XB7 firmly among the highest-performing Sports Activity Vehicles in the world.

New book on California's historic and legendary Highway 101 now available

(May 19, 2020)  — Now the highway has the utilitarian designation of U.S. Route 101, but originally it had a name of romance and mystery — El Camino Real, or the King’s Highway, built on the trail pioneered by the Spanish friars and marked by mission bells on the roadside. Regional historian Stephen H. Provost brings back the romance of this fabled highway in his new book “Highway 101: The History of El Camino Real.”

A sheriff's car from the '50s

This 1957 Plymouth Savoy is a police-car survivor in Oregon, Wis. The entry-level Savoy was popular in the late 1950's as a fleet vehicle used by taxicab companies, police departments and other fleet-minded customers where luxury was not a concern. The model was also available to customers who were in the market for a low-cost, economical vehicle with the availability of a V-8 engine and automatic transmission, and the room of a full-size vehicle. (Photo by Ed Meachen)

Alfa Romeo USA announces 110th anniversary heritage content package

(May 19, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In preparation of Alfa Romeo’s 110th anniversary, to be officially celebrated on June 24, the brand is launching a comprehensive heritage package that highlights key moments in its illustrious history. Headlining the heritage package is an interactive e-book, which spans from the brand’s very beginning in 1910, when the first A.L.F.A., the 24 HP, was introduced, to today and beyond with such vehicles as the limited-edition Giulia GTA and the upcoming Tonale crossover. 



Nissan Zero Emission ambulance becomes part of Tokyo initiative

(May 19, 2020) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan Motor Co. and the Tokyo Fire Department announced a new addition to the ambulance fleet of the Ikebukuro branch — Japan’s first Nissan NV400 Zero Emission (EV) Ambulance. The project is the result of a collaboration among Nissan, the Tokyo Fire Department and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Toyota breaks the sameness barrier with all-new hybrid-only Venza

(May 19, 2020) PLANO, Texas  — With a striking new debut, Toyota is breaking the sameness barrier in the midsize two-row crossover utility vehicle category. The all-new 2021 hybrid-only two-row Venza delivers an intuitive driving experience with smooth acceleration, predictable handling, and low noise, vibration, and harshness, all wrapped in a sophisticated design. The all-new 2021 Venza comes equipped exclusively with the Toyota Hybrid System II powertrain and advanced Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.