Inside the Industry

VW enhances 2024 all-electric ID.4 EV with more performance and technology



(September 6, 2023) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America has revealed that the 2024 ID.4 electric compact SUV is getting a major upgrade for its 82 kWh battery models, including a new performance drive unit that delivers greater performance and expected improvement to EPA-estimated range, an improved infotainment display, and a new premium audio system, among other features.

D2H Advanced Technologies supports hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota



(September 6, 2023) BUCKINGHAM, UK — D2H Advanced Technologies has played a key role in the development of efficient aerodynamic and thermal management solutions for a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota Hilux, capitalizing on the company’s long experience in these areas while enabling the Buckingham-based engineering consultancy to build upon its extensive range of tools and services for the benefit of the UK automotive industry and its pursuit of net zero.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain unveiled



All-wheel drive, air suspension and
Off-Road driving program standard

 
(September 5, 2023) Mercedes-Benz introduced the 2024 E-Class All-Terrain Sunday at the Munich auto show. It grows taller, wider and longer than the outgoing model, and undergoes a host of upgrades designed to appeal to customers who like the look of a beefy wagon that can traverse dirt and gravel country roads.

Tesla-tuner Unplugged Performance reveals ‘Dark Knight’



Carbon-Widebody Model S Plaid
gets performance enhancements


(September 5, 2023) HAWTHORNE, Calif. — Unplugged Performance, renowned for pioneering high-performance Tesla upgrades, reveals "Dark Knight," the latest Model S-APEX Plaid from their “Complete Vehicle” program, a program that offers bespoke Tesla vehicles tailored to individual preferences and style. With options ranging from exterior colors, interior materials, suspension setups and special features, each car is transformed into a high-performance, high-luxury experience.

Volkswagen electrifies its sporting icon — GTI concept EV debuts in Munich



A reinterpretation with classic GTI DNA:
The concept follows original 1976 GTI

(September 5, 2023) WOLFSBURG, Germany — For decades, the GTI name has stood for Volkswagen compact sports cars. The Golf GTI, Scirocco GTI, Polo GTI, and up! GTI are all icons. Volkswagen is now catapulting the DNA of the GTI into the age of electric mobility with the new ID. GTI Concept. The world premiere of this electrifying concept vehicle will take place during this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich today.

Tesla gets OK for L.A. diner, drive-in cinema



Customers can recharge stomachs
and cars and watch movies all-night

(September 4, 2023) Tesla has gotten approval from the city of Los Angeles to build an all-night diner and drive-in theater where customers can recharge their stomachs and cars simultaneously, according to Automotive News.

Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly Plant marks production milestone



100,000th Chrysler Pacifica plug-in
hybrid rolls of Canadian assembly line
    
(September 2, 2023) WINDSOR, Ontario — The 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid rolled off the production line today amid a gathering of employees at the Stellantis Windsor (Ont.) Assembly Plant to celebrate the milestone model of the first and still the only plug-in hybrid in the segment. Production of the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid began on Dec. 1, 2016, with a 2023 Brilliant Black Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Touring L model serving as the 100,000th produced.

Mecum Monterey 2023 totals $45 million in sales


1966 Ferrari 275 GTB

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB tops
sales fetching $3.41 million


(September 2, 2023) MONTEREY, Calif. —  Mecum’s annual Daytime Auction held Aug. 17-19, saw overall sales eclipse $45 million over the course of the three-day event. Held during Monterey Car Week, Mecum Monterey 2023 saw impressive individual sales, with the auction’s top sellers led by a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinettathat sold for $3.41 million and six of the top 10 breaking the $1 million mark.

Hyundai reveals 2024 Sonata for the North American market



More aggressive exterior design;
new curved dash display inside



(September 1, 2023) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has launched the enhanced 2024 Sonata midsize sedan that will be available at dealers this winter. José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said that Hyundai has a strong history of regularly updating its Sonata lineup and exceeding customer expectations.

Hyundai unveils refreshed 2024 Elantra lineup for North America



(September 1, 2023) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai launched the refreshed 2024 Elantra compact sedan for the North American market this week. Simon Loasby, designer and head of the Hyundai Style Group at Hyundai Motor Company, walked viewers through the design upgrades. José Muñoz, president and Global COO of Hyundai and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America elaborated on the resurgence of consumer interest in sedans.