February 2022

Virtual Roads — From the street to a video game in a Porsche



(February 12, 2022)  Rediscover the most beautiful roads in a Porsche over and over again without even getting in the car: the sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen is developing an innovative software solution in cooperation with Swiss start-up Way Ahead Technologies to make this concept a reality.

Ram launches second phase of ‘Built to Serve’ trucks



(February 11, 2022 ) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram Truck has announced the second phase of its Built to Serve trucks, which will honor the firefighters, police officers and emergency medical service providers who serve or have served our communities. The first installment honors the firefighter community. Production begins this month at the Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant.

Ford's first minivan



The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans manufactured by Ford from the 1986 through the 1997 model years. The Aerostar is considered the first minivan produced by Ford, marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the Chrysler minivans. The Aerostar derived its name from its slope-nosed "one-box" exterior. Four engines (one four-cylinder) and three V-6s ranged in horsepower from 100 to 160. This example was found in retirement in eastern North Carolina.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Mercedes-Benz to drop A-Class entry-level sedan from U.S. lineup



(February 10, 2022) So much for an affordable entry-level Mercedes-Benz for the masses. Mercedes, which introduced the A-Class sedan in 2019 at a $30,000 price pointas a gateway to the brand for younger buyers, has announced that the A-Class would be dropped from the U.S. lineup after 2022, Automotive News reported today.

Mini USA announces three new special editions for model year 2023



(February 10, 2022) — Mini USA has announced the launch of three new special editions that will extend across the full 2023 model range with production beginning next month.  The Mini Resolute Edition will be available on the Mini Hardtop 2 Door including the Mini Cooper SE electric vehicle, the Mini Hardtop 4 Door and the Mini Convertible. The Mini Untold Edition will be available on the Mini Clubman, including the 301hp high-performance John Cooper Works model, and the Mini Untamed Edition will be available on the Mini Countryman including the Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid model.

BMW Super Bowl ad features Arnold Schwarzenegger, Salma Hayek



(February 10, 2022) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW will debut a 60-second commercial during the Super Bowl on Sunday to showcase its all-new fully electric BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle, which arrives in the U.S. next month. The star-studded spot features legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Academy Award nominee Salma Hayek Pinault, and was directed by two-time Academy Award nominated director Bryan Buckley. It will air during the third commercial break of the first quarter of the game.

Volkswagen to electrify South by Southwest with U.S. debut of ID. Buzz



(February 10, 2022) The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, an electric reimagining of the brand’s iconic Microbus, will make its first-ever public appearance at South by Southwest March 11-20. To celebrate the first outing of the electric vehicle (EV), Volkswagen will host various “Buzz Stops” throughout the city of Austin, Texas, where attendees of SXSW and locals can experience a coming chapter in the brand’s future. The ID. Buzz appearances are part of a larger three-year sponsorship agreement among Volkswagen and SXSW.