News archive

January 2021

Hyundai introduces advanced humanoid robot 'DAL-e' for customer services

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(January 26, 2021) SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Group has launched the “DAL-e,” a highly advanced customer service robot that independently communicates with people using precise recognition capabilities and mobility functions.  The DAL-e is an acronym for “Drive you, Assist you, Link with you-experience.” Designed to pioneer the future of automated customer services, the DAL-e is equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology for facial recognition as well as an automatic communication system based on a language-comprehension platform. 

New Lotus sports car series confirmed; Type 131 prototype production begins

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(January 25, 2021) HETHEL, UK — A new series of sports cars has been confirmed, with prototype production of the Lotus Type 131 to commence this year from a world-class manufacturing facility in Hethel, Norfolk. The new manufacturing investment is part of Lotus’ Vision80 strategy, which will also see the relocation of two Lotus sub-assembly facilities into one efficient central operation in Norwich city to support higher volumes.

All-new for 2022 – Acura MDX is bigger, better, more expensive

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By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 24, 2021) The Acura MDX is one of the first 2022 models to arrive in showrooms. And just about everything in this fourth-generation three-row crossover is brand new. Acura is Honda’s premium brand, and has been around since 1986. The popular MDX was first introduced for 2001, and Acura says the new model is in an entirely new class. Changes start with the exterior styling, and continue to the all-new ultra-rigid platform with an MDX-first double-wishbone front suspension, new technology, and more space for people and gear.

It's a record year for Fiat 500 in Europe, but only 674 sold in U.S. in 2020

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(January 23, 2021) As sales of Fiat automobiles sinks in the United States, their popularity in Europe is soaring in the "city car" class. Only 674 Fiat 500s were sold in 2020. And total Fiat sales in the U.S. last year were 4,703. But in Europe, the Fiat 500 and Panda, already Europe’s most popular city cars, achieved an overall market share of 35.6%, each increasing by three percentage points.

All-new 2021 Rogue sets pace for Nissan’s recycling efforts

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(January 23, 2021) YOKOHAMA, Japan — The new 2021 Nissan Rogue is breaking new ground as the company’s first global model built using a “closed-loop” recycling system for aluminum parts. The system helps reduce CO2 emissions compared with using parts made with primary alloys from raw materials. It also promotes the use of materials that don’t rely on newly mined resources, as well as the reduction of waste from factories.

Orders closed for 710-horsepower 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

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(January 22, 2021) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — With the non-stop talk about all-electric and its growing popularity, it seems big muscle-car V-8 horsepower is still as popular as ever. Perhaps even more popular than electric vehicles. Case in point — production for the new 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat — after opening for orders in November —  is officially sold out.

The state of plates

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour  

Other than the times I’m in a vehicle stopped on the shoulder of a road with both my hands on the steering wheel pleading my case, I’ve always held great respect for all police department personnel. I recently wrote a rant about people whose windows are so heavily tinted that an approaching policeman (or anyone else for that matter) can’t see inside — causing the police officer to fear for his safety. As I was driving on the freeway this morning I saw another infraction that seems the driver is thumbing his (or her) nose at law enforcement — license plates whose information is partially — or completely obliterated.