News archive

January 2016

New 2017 Hyundai Elantra to start at $17,150 — $100 less than 2016

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(January 20, 2016) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Elantra starting at $17,150. The 2017 Elantra enters its sixth-generation with a refined design and modern style combined with class-above features, the latest in safety and multimedia technology, and a base price that is $100 less than the outgoing model.

Gas prices dropping at fastest pace in two months, AAA reports

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(January 20, 2016) Tumbling crude oil prices around the world have helped send the national retail average price for gasoline to its lowest mark since February 2009, according to the weekly gas report by AAA. Retail averages have fallen for 63 of the past 74 days, for a total savings of 34 cents per gallon, reaching Tuesday's price of $1.88 per gallon.

New online tool decodes classic Chevy VINs

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(January 19, 2015) H&H Classic Parts has developed a classic Chevy VIN decoder that, unlike traditional VIN decoders, takes the guesswork out of decoding. Tri-Five, Impala, and Chevy II/Nova owners can simply plug in their vehicle's VIN and the decoder will provide information such as year, assembly plant, engine type, and more.

Ford, Jay Leno to auction one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson F-150 for charity

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(January 19, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford and Jay Leno, renowned auto enthusiast and star of Jay Leno’s Garage, are teaming up to auction the TV legend’s personal one-of-one 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150 at the 45th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

All proceeds will benefit National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the country’s leading organization helping people affected by multiple sclerosis through cutting-edge research, advocacy and education. Live TV coverage of the auction of this custom F-150 will air on Velocity on Jan. 29.

There’s a new minivan in town, and it’s named Pacifica

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 19, 2016) When he first joined Chrysler, current head of design Ralph Gilles used to take a specially tuned Dodge Caravan to the Waterford Hills race track and mix it up with less utilitarian vehicles. A firm believer that useful vehicles didn’t have to be boring, Gilles brought the lessons learned from that experience to the design of the new Chrysler Pacifica.

First weekend of Detroit auto show draws 208,327 people

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(January 19, 2016) DETROIT — NAIAS was a magnet for 208,327 people on opening weekend — all wanting to get a glimpse of the more than 700 vehicles on display and the over 50 vehicles that debuted earlier in the week at Press Preview. Attendees experienced a show floor that has undergone a 70 percent transformation, and they interacted with new exhibits that totaled more than $200 million in investment from exhibitors.

Attendance for Saturday’s kick-off to public days was 107,303, while the second day of opening weekend on Sunday saw 101,024 auto enthusiasts and families visit NAIAS.

Jeep expands Cherokee lineup with premium Overland model

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(January 18, 2016) BOSTON — The Jeep brand is introducing its new Cherokee Overland today at the New England International Auto Show, expanding the brand’s lineup to deliver consumers a new level of luxury combined with unmatched capability in the mid-size SUV segment.

“The new Cherokee Overland model is a direct response to consumers looking for benchmark 4x4 capability that only Jeep can offer, in a stunning, more luxurious package loaded with premium amenities,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.

350-horsepower Ford Focus RS hot hatch to arrive in U.S. this spring

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(January 18, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — With U.S. sales of Ford’s performance cars outpacing the overall industry, production kickoff for the company’s long-anticipated, 350-horsepower hot hatch couldn’t come at a better time. The first all-new Focus RS has rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany.

Volkswagen extends Goodwill Package to Touareg TDI owners

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(January 18, 2016) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America has announced it will extend the Goodwill Package to owners of 3.0L TDI Touareg models affected by the TDI emissions issue — model years 2009 – 2016.

The Goodwill Package provides owners with a $500 Volkswagen Prepaid Visa Loyalty Card, a $500 Volkswagen Dealership Card and no-charge 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years.  The Goodwill Package was originally launched in November 2015 for owners of affected 2.0L TDI vehicles.

New Ford Fusion ready for NASCAR with new look

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(January 18, 2016) DETROIT — History has repeated itself when it comes to the preparing the new NASCAR Fusion for its competition debut in February at Daytona Speedweeks. Much like three years ago when NASCAR allowed manufacturers to include more brand-specific characteristics, Ford once again used the talents of its designers to make sure the same eye-catching components that are included in the new 2017 Ford Fusion production car appear on the racing version.