News archive

December 2016

Lexus unveils custom IS wrapped in 41,999 programmable LEDs

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(December 6, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — To highlight the impressive styling of the new 2017 IS, Lexus has unveiled a custom vehicle wrapped in 41,999 programmable LEDs that turn the car into a screen capable of broadcasting dynamic graphics and videos. The car, which is designed to send a bold signal, is featured in UK chart-topping artist Dua Lipa’s new music video for her hit song “Be the One.” The first-of-its-kind collaboration pairs Dua Lipa’s vocals with an ethereal storyline, featuring the vehicle as a character and visual anchor in a story.

Honda to showcase 'Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem' at show

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(December 5, 2016) TORRANCE, CALIF. — Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data to transform the mobility experience, Honda today announced that "Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem" will be the theme for its participation at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. 

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature — Capable, luxury SUV

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(December 5, 2016) The last time I was behind the wheel of a Mazda CX-9 was 2013. It was the first generation of the automaker’s biggest SUV, and it was on its second facelift. However, unlike a nipped and tucked Hollywood starlet past her prime, the CX-9 still beguiled. Though it shared its platform with the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and, by default, Ford Fusion, the Mazda was more than the sum of its parts.

3 million Minis — Oxford plant hits major manufacturing milestone

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(December 4, 2016) OXFORD, England — Plant Oxford this weekend celebrated the three millionth Mini to roll off the assembly line since production began back in 2001. The three millionth Oxford-built Mini is a John Cooper Works Clubman — the first model to combine the latest John Cooper Works performance enhancements and a new ALL4 all-wheel drive system.

Cadillac global sales increase 32.8% in November

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(December 3, 2016) Cadillac sold 30,849 vehicles globally in November, an increase of 32.8 percent and the sixth consecutive month of double-digit percentage increases for Cadillac, the last five of which have topped 20 percent. Growth in both of the largest markets powered Cadillac’s overall increase.

Sales in the United States grew 14.5 percent in total and 17 percent among retail consumers. In the U.S., Escalade sales grew 24 percent, achieving the best November since 2007, and the all-new XT5 crossover had its best month since its launch earlier this year.

2018 Ford Fiesta — What versions will show up in the U.S.?

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(December 3, 2016) Ford’s introduction of the 2018 Fiesta at a press event in Europe this week felt a bit like a Volkswagen event. It was filled with new cars that looked like smoothed and updated versions of the outgoing models. How the new model lineup will translate to the cars we see in the U.S. is unknown, though it’s unlikely that Ford will sell the top of the line Vignale, or even the Active model with its SUV-like body kit overtones, here.

Rusted out old Chevy

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This rusted out 1960 Chevrolet station wagon was discovered in eastern North Carolina. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Mecum's Kissimmee auction to feature 3,000 cars in January

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(December 2, 2016) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions will offer more than 3,000 classic and collector cars in the Sunshine State Jan. 6-15, when it hosts its biggest auction of the year: Mecum Kissimmee 2017.

This year’s docket is flush with world-class collections of some of the most significant early muscle cars and vintage drag cars ever to be offered publicly, as well as more than 150 Corvettes of varying vintage, over 100 Camaros and Chevelles, 75 Mustangs, more than 50 Porsches and a huge helping of Hemis, to name a few.

U.S. new-vehicle sales rebound in November

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(December 2, 2016) U.S. vehicle sales rose 3.6 percent in November  from a year earlier, helped by more generous deals and strong truck demand. It was the first time in three months that sales were up year over year. Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and General Motors posted increases as a rise in incentive spending helped put the industry back on a winning track.