February 2021

There's nothing more pathetic than a mid-life crisis

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour  
al@motorwayamerica.com

Just like the ball dropping in Time’s Square to celebrate the New Year and robins marking the first signs of spring, so too are there tell-tale signs that designate the presence of a man mounting a mid-life crisis. Among the clues are: a bad toupee, dressing in the modern version of disco clothes, the presence of a buxom blonde barely out of high school and attending rock concerts and dancing with all the grace of Elaine Benes on Seinfeld. But the single, most visible indication of a mid-life crisis is what kind of vehicle he drives.

Honda to bring Android Auto integration to Africa Twin



(February 12, 2021) Honda announced that Android Auto will be integrated with the current-model Africa Twin models (2020 and newer). As has already been the case with Gold Wing models since last summer, Africa Twin customers with Android smartphones and the Android Auto app will be able to seamlessly enjoy application services including music, phone calls and messaging, at no additional cost. To utilize Android Auto with Africa Twin models, a Bluetooth headset is also required (sold separately). App and communication costs may apply.

2021 Sienna is 30 millionth Toyota vehicle assembled in U.S.



(February 12, 2021) PLANO, Texas — Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) rolled its 30 millionth U.S.–assembled vehicle off the line this week at its Princeton, Indiana manufacturing plant tucked away in the southwest corner of the state. In a fitting tribute, that “milestone” vehicle was the most recent major model redesign by Toyota to hit the market — the all-new, all-hybrid 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan. With a flash of its lights and a honk of the horn, this versatile and stylish vehicle moved off the production line and into Toyota’s history book.

Ford launches Ford Blue Advantage used-vehicle marketplace



(February 12, 2021) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has officially launched Ford Blue Advantage in collaboration with its dealer network at the NADA Show 2021, which is being conducted virtually this week. The new digital marketplace allows Ford dealers to list and sell certified used vehicles on a single platform, while giving customers greater peace of mind in terms of quality and price, and the choice to shop on their terms — online or in person.

GM investing $100 million in plants to boost truck transmission capacity



(February 12, 2021) WARREN, Mich. — General Motors has announced a $100 million investment in two of its manufacturing facilities — $93 million at the Romulus, Mich., propulsion plant and $7 million at the Bedford, Ind., casting operations.

BMW largest U.S. automotive exporter by value for 7th straight year



(February 12, 2021) SPARTANBURG, S.C. — For the seventh consecutive year, BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. BMW Manufacturing exported 218,820 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes during 2020 with an export value of more than $8.9 billion.

Toyota to debut three new electrified vehicles for U.S. market



(February 11, 2021) PLANO, Texas  — Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has announced plans to debut in the U.S. market this year, three new electrified models – two BEVs and a PHEV. “We continue to be leaders in electrification that began with our pioneering introduction of the Prius nearly 25 years ago,” said Bob Carter, TMNA executive vice president of sales. “Toyota’s new electrified product offerings will give customers multiple choices of powertrain that best suits their needs.”

Steve Todhunter Collection to headline Mecum Glendale Collector Car Auction


1969 Dodge Daytona

(February 11, 2021) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions will host its third annual auction in Glendale, Arizona, at State Farm Stadium March 18-20, and the anticipated 1,200-car lineup will be headlined by the awe-inspiring collection of Steve Todhunter, which comprises 20 vehicles ranging from seven pristine, low-mile Ferraris to a 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra FAM previously owned by late actor Paul Walker.