February 2022

Next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor rewrites rulebook for off-road performance



(February 24, 2022) The next-generation and next-level Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived in Europe with deliveries starting in late summer. Built to dominate in the desert, master the mountains and rule everywhere in between, the second-generation Ranger Raptor raises the off-road performance bar as a pick-up built for true enthusiasts.

Mazda announces pricing and packaging for 2023 CX-50



(February 24, 2022) IRVINE, Calif.  — Mazda North American has announced pricing for the 2023 Mazda CX-50, the first Mazda vehicle manufactured at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Ala. This all-new, rugged and capable crossover SUV is purpose built for the active lifestyles of North Americans. It combines superior on-road driving dynamics and sophisticated design, a signature of any Mazda vehicle, while enabling drivers to venture further into the outdoors and off road.

Morris Minor 1000 in retirement



The Morris Minor economy car was built in England from 1948 through 1971. The last of three generations was built from 1956-1971, called the 1000 series. It came as a convertible, two-door coupe and four-door sedan. It was what would be classified today as a city car with a wheelbase of 86 inches and a length of 148 inches — and it weighed in at just over 1,700 pounds. The original inline 4-cylinder engine had a top speed of 63 mph and a 0-to-60 time of 52.5 seconds. By the third generation the engine had been beefed up to produce a top speed of 75 mph and a 0-to-60 time of 31 seconds. This Minor 1000 was found in a South Carolina salvage yard.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)

Audi of America, Verizon partner to bring 5G to vehicle lineup



(February 23, 2022) Verizon and Audi of America have announced an agreement to bring 5G connectivity to the automaker’s U.S. lineup, estimated to begin with select models for the 2024 model year. The collaboration brings embedded 5G Ultra Wideband connectivity into Audi vehicles and provides the speed and telecommunication architecture necessary for highly personalized and augmented mobile services, new driver-assistance features, and connectivity-enabled innovations for the automated future of driving.

Volvo announces new design-focused S60 Black Edition



(February 23, 2022) MAHWAH, N.J.  — Volvo Car USA is adding a special Black Edition styling option to its award-winning S60 sedan. The new Black Edition adds another level of expression to the sporty design of the Volvo S60 with exclusive high gloss black accents and badging. Arriving in select retailers this spring, the S60 Black Edition will be available in limited quantities, with fewer than 450 vehicles being produced for model year 2022.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro range boosted to 280 miles



(February 22, 2022) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America announced EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for the 2022 ID.4 electric SUV today. The ID.4 Pro has an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range, which is an increase of 20 miles from the 2021 model.  The ID.4 Pro S rear-wheel-drive received an EPA-estimated range of 268 miles, while AWD Pro was rated at an EPA-estimated 251 miles of range and the AWD Pro S was rated at an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range.

Hyundai launches new dealer digital advertising program



(February 22, 2022) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai is offering its dealerships an enhanced digital advertising program that will help convert search traffic to dealer websites at a lower cost. For high purchase intent keyword searches, the new dealer digital ads incorporate real-time inventory and pricing. After clicking on the ads, customers will land on the dealer website where they can learn more about the vehicle of choice and start the purchase process with Hyundai’s Click to Buy digital retail tools.