News archive

January 2024

Kia introduces theft deterrent device for vehicles ineligible for new software

Tags:



Device reinforces ignition cylinder
body to guard against theft methods

(January 3, 2024) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia America has announced that it is unveiling an additional security measure to support its customers in response to criminals using methods of theft popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models. This new hardware modification—an ignition cylinder protector—is designed for the vehicles that are not eligible for the security software upgrade that Kia introduced earlier this year and works to combat theft by reinforcing the ignition cylinder body and preventing its removal through the method of theft promoted in videos that have spread across social media encouraging criminal activity.

Mecum Kissimmee 2024 opens with record-setting 4,400 consignments

Tags:



(January 3, 2024) KISSIMMEE, Fla. — More than 4,400 consignments and 40 collections will cross the auction block at Mecum Kissimmee 2024, the 25th anniversary celebration of The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction, to take place through Sunday, Jan. 14 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. The final car count for the world record-setting event may reach 4,500 vehicles, featuring a broad selection of offerings including American muscle cars, ‘50s classics, Corvettes, exotics, trucks, Hot Rods, customs and more.

An abandoned Ventura

Tags:



This 1977 Pontiac Ventura was discovered in an abandoned condition in eastern N.C. The Ventura was built from 1960 through 1977, its name derived from Ventura, Calif., and was a version of the compact Chevrolet Nova from 1971 onward. For 1977, the Chevy 250 six-cylinder was replaced by Buick's 231 cu in V6 as the base powerplant, and the Chevrolet 305 cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

China's BYD to build EV factory in Hungary to jumpstart European production

Tags:



(January 2, 2024) Chinese automaker BYD, which bills itself as "the world's leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEV)," is set to surpass Tesla as the worldwide leader in fully electric vehicle sales, according to a story in Automotive News. BYD's success is partly due because it offers half a dozen higher-volume models that cost much less than what Tesla charges for its cheapest Model 3 sedan in China.