August 2016

Volvo Cars and Uber join forces to develop autonomous driving cars

(August 18, 2016) Volvo Cars and Uber, the world’s leading ride-sharing company, will join forces to develop next generation autonomous driving cars. The two companies have signed an agreement to establish a joint project that will develop new base vehicles that will be able to incorporate the latest developments in AD technologies, up to and including fully autonomous driverless cars.

The base vehicles will be manufactured by Volvo Cars and then purchased from Volvo by Uber. Volvo Cars and Uber are contributing a combined $300 million to the project.

Audi claims top fuel economy in segment with 2017 A4 Ultra

(August 18, 2016) Offering a competitive segment-leading EPA-estimated 31-mpg combined fuel economy rating, Audi says the 2017 Audi A4 ultra is an efficient entry-level luxury sedan with uncompromising design, technology and driving dynamics. The A4 ultra leverages a newly revised combustion method and an even more efficient variant of the 2.0-liter TFSI engine to achieve EPA-estimated ratings of 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

Nissan Titan XD drives sustainability education with urban green lab

(August 18, 2016) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Catherine Walker is a hand's on educator. She works for Urban Green Lab, a 30-foot mobile classroom in Nashville and the city's only nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and well being of people through sustainability. Nissan is a founding partner of Urban Green Lab, contributing financially to the nonprofit in addition to providing a Nissan Titan XD to move it around Nashville.

Mercedes-Benz in commercial van business in a big way

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(August 18, 2016) CHARLESTON, S.C. — Ask almost anyone in America about Mercedes-Benz and they’ll immediately reference German luxury and sporty automobiles and utility vehicles. Few, if any are aware of the big push the German auto manufacturer is making in the commercial van business with their two product offerings: the larger Sprinter and the smaller Metris vans.

Bentley returns to Pebble Beach with three North American debuts

(August 17, 2016) PEBBLE BEACH — The most luxurious Bentley model ever — the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase — makes its U.S. debut at the Monterey Auto Week. The pinnacle luxury limousine is designed for those who prefer to be driven, and provides a first class air-travel experience for the road.

The Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase will be appearing at the Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday, Aug.19, and will also be in position on the Concept Lawn at The Lodge on Sunday.

Chevrolet Certified Service to keep classics on the road at Dream Cruise

(August 17, 2016) DETROIT — The Chevrolet Certified Service Rescue Squad will join thousands of classic car enthusiasts on Woodward Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 20, to offer assistance to classic cruisers that stall, overheat or run out of gas.

ASE-certified technicians provided by Buff Whelan, Gordon, Les Stanford, Marty Feldman, John Bowman and Suburban Chevrolet will cruise Woodward in both directions in six 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Rescue Squad Pickup trucks.

2017 Range Rover Sport gets new advanced driver assistance technologies

(August 17, 2016) MAHWAH,  N.J. — Land Rover says the status of the Range Rover Sport as a top-tier luxury performance SUV has been strengthened with a range of enhancements for 2017 model year. The latest model features the introduction of innovative new driver assistance technologies and greater scope for bespoke personalization.

Kia unveils its second-generation Cadenza with luxury refinements

(August 17, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The all-new 2017 Cadenza arrives to market with higher levels of luxury, technology and convenience than its predecessor, and it comes wrapped in a beautiful, bold design inspired by the simplicity of the straight line.  The second-generation Cadenza boasts a stronger body structure and powertrain enhancements along with a more engaging driving experience than before.

Ford targets fully autonomous vehicle for ride sharing in 2021

(August 17, 2016) PALO ALTO, Calif. — Ford on Tuesday announced its intent to have a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle in commercial operation in 2021 in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service. To get there, the company is investing in or collaborating with four startups to enhance its autonomous vehicle development, doubling its Silicon Valley team and more than doubling its Palo Alto campus.