January 2021

All-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L joins the full-size SUV segment



(January 8, 2021)  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Nearly 30 years ago, the Jeep Grand Cherokee began its legacy as the most awarded SUV in history. Today, following four generations of the vehicle, countless industry accolades and nearly 7 million in global sales, the Jeep brand continues to shatter expectations of the full-size SUV segment with the all-new three-row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Kia records highest annual retail sales in company history in 2020



(January 7, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — On the strength of best-ever monthly performances from the Telluride and Seltos SUVs, Kia Motors America has announced December sales of 53,764 units, a 4.9-percent increase over the same period last year. In total, Kia sold 586,105 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020, with light trucks — Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride and Sedona — accounting for 62-percent of the annual volume (up from 58-percent in 2019).



Brake or coast? Intelligent regenerative braking on Volkswagen ID.4



(January 7, 2021) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Regenerative braking, in other words energy recovery when decelerating, greatly boosts the range of any electric vehicle. However, what should happen when drivers of electric vehicles take their foot off the right-most pedal is a difficult, philosophical question. Should the electric drive motor act as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, or should it run without generating electrical energy, so that the vehicle’s momentum is used for coasting?

Redesigned 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 priced from $15,390



(January 7, 2021) FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has announced pricing for the redesigned and updated sub-compact 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage five-door hatchback and Mirage G4 four-door sedan, which remain among the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered non-hybrid vehicles sold in America. Starting at just $15,390 including destination charge, the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 offers updated styling, and new standard advanced safety features. The Mirage G4 tops out at $19,280 for the G4 SE model with automatic transmission.

A 50th anniversary Ford



This 1953 Ford was found in retirement in Nevada. 1953 was Ford's 50th anniversary and the big news for 1953 was the availability of power-assisted brakes and steering, which had previously been limited to the Mercury and Lincoln lines. Ford sold 1,247,542 cars in 1953, trailing Chevrolet by about 99,000 units for sales supremacy.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction moved to March 20-27



(January 7, 2021) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  — Barrett-Jackson and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, and the City of Scottsdale have announced the revised dates for two major automotive events at WestWorld of Scottsdale in 2021. The flagship Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction will be held March 20-27, while the Goodguys 11th FiTech Fuel Injection Spring Nationals is slated for April 16-18.

GM shows big comeback in fourth quarter, up 4.8% over 2019



(January 6, 2020) DETROIT — General Motors has announced it sold 771,323 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2020. Total sales for the quarter were up nearly 5 percent year over year marking its best fourth quarter retail sales since 2007. Sales for the calendar year were 2,547,339 units, with total deliveries down 12 percent year over year and retail deliveries down 6 percent. GM estimates it gained market share across the board in total, retail and fleet deliveries for both the fourth quarter and calendar year.

Kia unveils new logo and brand slogan



(January 6, 2021) SEOUL, South Korea — Kia has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify the automaker's transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia's ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.