January 2017

Collection of 30 unrestored Ariel motorcycles to be sold

(January 31, 2017) DONINGTON PARK, England — H&H Classics will be selling a collection of 30 unrestored Ariel motorbikes at Donington Park this year — Arrows, Arrow Sports and Leaders, discovered over the last 30 years by Clive Pearson of Leicester for whom they have been a lifelong passion.

This big collection includes a range of parts too. Pearson, 68, is selling the bikes to fund his other passion German WW2 machines.

Final Phantom VII marks end of an era at Rolls-Royce

(January 31, 2017) “From its introduction a little over 90 years ago, every motor car that has borne the title "Phantom" has reset the standard by which all other luxury goods are judged,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“As Phantom VII gracefully leaves the stage, having defined the first chapter in the renaissance of Rolls-Royce, we look forward to building on its remarkable success with the imminent arrival of its successor. A bold, new statement built on an all-new architecture promises to light the future of the world’s most celebrated name in luxury.” 

Heavily modified 1936 Packard wins top prize at 68th annual roadster show

(January 31, 2017) RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — The Grand National Roadster Show has recognized the top vehicles of its 68th annual show where over 400 individual awards were given out during the closing ceremony on Jan. 29. The prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) was awarded to Troy Ladd, Ken Reister took America’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle, the Al Slonaker Memorial Award was presented to Ron Manier and the inaugural Pete Chapouris Memorial Award was given to Matt Gordon.

GM, Honda to establish joint fuel cell system manufacturing operation

(January 31, 2017) DETROIT  — General Motors and Honda have announced establishment of the auto industry’s first manufacturing joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from each company.  Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC will operate within GM’s existing battery pack manufacturing facility site in Brownstown, Mich., south of Detroit.

New milestone for Volvo's hybrid buses — 3000 units sold

(January 30, 2017) ESKILSTUNA, Sweden — Volvo's global drive with electrified buses continues to deliver results. All told Volvo Buses has sold 3,000 hybrids, electric hybrids and electric buses to customers in 22 countries in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia.

Following the introduction of Volvo Buses' first hybrid buses in 2010, sales have increased steadily at the same time as the product range has undergone continuous development and expansion.

Mercedes-Benz puts new twist on iconic road film in Super Bowl ad

(January 30, 2017) ATLANTA — Mercedes-Benz returns to the Super Bowl for its fourth time on Feb. 5 with an ad called "Easy Driver," commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz performance sub-brand AMG and the upcoming debut of the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster.

To portray the spirit of adventure and love of driving that the AMG brand is known for, Mercedes-Benz put a unique, modern twist on a film from the same decade that saw the launch of the first AMG and enlists its iconic star — and longtime Mercedes-Benz aficionado — Peter Fonda, as its hero.

Volvo celebrates 20 years of all-wheel drive in the Swedish snow

(January 30, 2017) Volvo Cars is celebrating 20 years of mechanical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) by putting some of its most capable cars through their paces on the frozen lakes around the Northern Swedish ski resort of Åre. The Swedish car maker is running a winter test drive showcasing its leading mechanical and new electric All-Wheel Drive solutions on the all-road, all-weather XC90, V90 Cross Country and V40 Cross Country models.