April 2016

Honda says 2017 Accord Hybrid more powerful, more fuel efficient

(April 21, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will bolster its Accord lineup with the launch of the 2017 Accord Hybrid this spring, featuring a more powerful and efficient second-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain that has the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of any midsize hybrid sedan and delivers the most power.

With improved production methods and supplies of hybrid components, Honda is anticipating significant growth in sales of Accord Hybrid and is targeting annual sales to be more than double its previous best of just under 14,000 vehicles in 2014.

Clarion's 1974 BMW 2002 raises $125,000 for cancer research

(April 21, 2016) CYPRESS, Calif. — Clarion Corporation of America has announced that its Clarion Builds program's first iconic classic vehicle restoration, a 1974 BMW 2002, officially sold at auction raising $125,000 for cancer research.

The Fjord Blue BMW crossed the auction block Saturday evening, April 9, at the 14th annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction. Proceeds from the sale of the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 were donated to the Barrett-Jackson Fund for the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen, in Memory of Russ and Brian Jackson.

Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle reporting for duty

(April 21, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Government and fleet customers – including law enforcement and roadside assistance providers – require the toughest, smartest, most capable vehicles for their work, so Ford offers a Special Service Vehicle package for the 2016 F-150 to meet their rigorous needs.

Ford Mustang becomes best-selling sports car globally

(April 21, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe. Demand for the iconic pony car remains insatiable. According to company analysis of the most recent registration data from IHS Automotive, Ford sold around 110,000 Mustang Coupes globally in 2015 topping all other sports coupe competitors.

Looking better in snow


This old Willys Jeep faces the ravages of a Wisconsin winter. We figure it probably looks better in snow. (Photo by Jerry Brown)

Special Ember edition of Range Rover Evoque debuts in UK

(April 20, 2016) WHITLEY, UK — Land Rover is introducing an exclusive Special Edition of its fastest selling model, the Range Rover Evoque. As part of a package of enhancements to the original luxury compact SUV, the striking ‘Ember’ edition features a bold red and black theme boosting its appeal.

The new 2017 model year Range Rover Evoque also offers next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment across the range, providing a 10.2-inch tablet-style pinch and zoom touchscreen control and a customizable home screen to ensure customers’ favorite apps are always at their fingertips.

Lexus to unveil a redesigned IS sports sedan in Beijing

(April 20, 2016) BEIJING — Lexus will unveil its redesigned midsize luxury sport sedan, the Lexus IS, at 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition next week. And Lexus has released a teaser photo.

Lexus says that since the inception of the IS, it was designed for those in relentless pursuit of driving pleasure. After three generations, the Lexus IS has successfully captured the hearts of young customers all over the world.

BMW to offer extremely exclusive 'Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS'

(April 20, 2016)  WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. —  BMW has announced the “BMW Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS” models to mark the company’s centenary, representing — according to BMW — "the historically evolved technological competence of the world’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and to emphasize the exclusivity with which both luxury and innovation are expressed."

GM sells 2.36 million vehicles globally in first quarter

(April 19, 2016) DETROIT — General Motors sold 2.36 million vehicles globally in the first quarter of 2016. The company delivered on its sales priorities, led by strong results in the SUV and luxury segments in China and retail performance in the U.S.

“The quality of GM’s global sales in the key segments and markets in the first quarter is in line with our efforts to drive sustained profitable growth,” said GM President Dan Ammann.

Jaguar Land Rover launches veterans employment program

(April 19, 2016) MAHWAH, N.J. — Jaguar Land Rover North America has announced that between now and 2019, the company will facilitate the hiring of military veterans across its retail network. This plan builds on Jaguar Land Rover U.K. efforts to facilitate employment of transitioning service members, veterans, and currently serving members of the National Guard and Reserve.