(June 17, 2013) LEVERKUSEN, Netherlands — Mazda was able to set a new mark in the Guinness Book of World Records during the big MX-5 2013 event on June 15 in Lelystad. A total of 683 Mazda MX-5s joined the procession on the roads around the RDW Test Centre forming the longest parade of driving Mazdas ever.

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 16, 2013) With the death of the Maybach franchise, Daimler has removed its self-imposed roadblock on the aspirations of Mercedes. Once the preeminent vehicle in the Mercedes lineup, the S-Class was overshadowed by Maybach in an attempt to compete directly with Rolls-Royce and Bentley via a “more prestigious” brand.

(June 11, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Available to consumers late this summer, the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be offered at a starting price of $22,995 (plus $995 destination). Jeep Cherokee’s starting price is hundreds of dollars less than the outgoing Jeep Liberty model, while offering more fuel economy, more advanced safety and technology features, even more class-leading 4x4 capability, a modern and progressive new design, and significantly improved everyday on-road ride and handling.

(June 15, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford engineers have developed the industry’s first robotic test driving program — now in use at the company’s Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich. — to meet demands that Ford trucks undergo ever more strenuous Built Ford Tough testing with greater frequency.