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The Inster — Hyundai unveils small EV for Europe, but not available in U.S

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(October 4, 2024) UK drivers will soon be able to motivate around town in the new miniature sub-compact Hyundai Inster, Hyundai’s first small EV for the European Market. Hyundai says its first small electric SUV is not only a practical choice for urban driving, but can also deliver strong performance on longer drives with a range of up to 229 miles (about 200 miles on the U.S. EPA cycle) and equipment to deliver optimized recharge times, with heat pump and battery heating system as standard.

2025 Ford Explorer ST



PHOENIX — Having debuted some 35 years ago, Ford's Explorer — the all-time best-selling SUV in America — receives its first major refreshing since 2019 and is now offered in just four trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Premium, and ST, our tested version. Ford discontinued the Base, Limited, King Ranch and Timberline editions for 2025. Top to bottom there is about a $20,000 price variance in trim levels.

2024 Mercedes CLE 450



INDIANAPOLIS — Mercedes-Benz makes its money on crossovers and sedans, but its soul is defined by coupes.  Sharing the basic chassis and powertrains with their more conservative siblings, coupes sit a little lower, slope a little sweeter, and cosset more personally.  If sedans get kids to school and aspiring executives to work, then coupes encourage a little more fun.  And, so it is with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 4MATIC Coupe.

2025 Subaru Forester



PHOENIX — It's true, the Subaru brand has a cult-like following with legendary standard all-wheel drive, a reputation for steadfast reliability and excellent resale values. Competing in the largest and most competitive compact-crossover class with varsity and best selling brands like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Forester, Subaru's middle child being larger than the Crosstrek and smaller than the Outback, is now in its 27th year and just completed a thorough refreshing for the 2025 model year. 

Vehicle of the Week

2024 Lexus GX550 — A modern luxury SUV


MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 29, 2024) The Lexus GX came into the world in 2002 as the brand's rugged off-road SUV — with body-on-frame credentials to back up the claim. The second generation, introduced way back in 2010, served through 2023 with styling and technology updates along the way. Finally Lexus has got around to a third generation, completely updating its mid-sized three-row luxury people mover.

Here's the Thing

One million kilometers later, a 2008 Elantra gets a new start



Restoration of fourth gen Elantra
tribute to Hyundai's N division


(October 4, 2024) BROSSARD, QC — A 2008 Hyundai Elantra that has covered more than a million kilometers (621,300 miles) was the subject of an exhaustive restoration project, thanks to a partnership between Hyundai Canada and the team from the show Roulez au Suivant.

Pump prices resume falling, but for how long?



(October 4, 2024) Despite literal and figurative storm clouds here and abroad,  the national average for a gallon of gas still fell by three cents from last week to $3.19. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene did little to impact gasoline supply, but it crushed demand in affected areas by destroying infrastructure and causing power outages.

'Unrelenting' auto financing conditions squeeze new-vehicle buyers



Analysts say uptick in 84-month
auto loans is troubling sign


(October 3, 2024) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Trends apparent from Q3 auto finance data reveal unrelenting financing conditions for new-vehicle buyers, according to the car shopping experts at Edmunds.

Inside the Industry

IONNA breaks ground in Apex, N.C., on first 'Rechargery'



(October 4, 2024) DURHAM, N.C. — IONNA, the charging network founded by eight of the world’s top automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota, announced they have broken ground on the first IONNA "Rechargery."

Caterham joins Yamaha Motor in its EV sports coupe development



(October 3, 2024)  Caterham has announced that Yamaha Motor, a Japanese mobility manufacturer, has joined as a development partner for its all-new electric sports coupe, Project V. Yamaha will supply its latest cutting-edge e-axle to the prototype model.

Volkswagen opens new Gulf Coast hub in Freeport, Texas



Port Freeport will import, process
up to 140,000 vehicles annually


(October 3, 2024) Volkswagen Group of America has announced the grand opening of a new port facility at Port Freeport in Texas. This new Gulf Coast hub represents an approximate $114 million investment in the Freeport area and creates more than 110 new direct jobs in addition to indirect jobs in trucking, rail, and vessel operations.

Abandoned Car of the Week

A hybrid truck



We're not sure what to call this unusual vehicle with a boxy cab, which is apparently under construction in northern Florida, but it appears to be based on a Ford Model T.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)