January 2017

Ram truck launches new 'Long Live' marketing campaign

(January 17, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram trucks, America’s longest-lasting pickups, reinforce brand values of leadership, integrity and hard work in a new brand marketing campaign highlighting product features of Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks.

Two 30-second spots in the new campaign, “Long Live Ram” and “Skate,” launch this weekend during NFL football playoff game telecasts and will continue to run on broadcast and cable programming throughout 2017. Additional ads will follow in the coming weeks.

Chevrolet introduces life-size LEGO Batmobile

(January 17, 2017) DETROIT — Chevrolet, along with students from Detroit’s Cody Rouge community, A World in Motion and FIRST LEGO League, has unveiled its life-size LEGO Batmobile at the North American International Auto Show.

Measuring 17-feet long and featuring exclusive stud shooters, the LEGO Batmobile from Chevrolet was designed to strike fear in the heart of any villain. The vehicle was inspired by Batman’s Speedwagon featured in “The LEGO Batman Movie,” which hits U.S. theaters on Feb. 10.

Guy Webster's Italian masterpiece collection up for auction Jan. 27

(January 17, 2017) LAS VEGAS — The final eight motorcycles owned by iconic photographer Guy Webster are set to cross the auction block on Jan. 27, at the world’s largest vintage and antique motorcycle auction, the 26th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction, slated for Jan. 25-28 at South Point Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.

NAIAS 2017: From 'bold' to boring to meaningless

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 17, 2017) The auto industry is headed into the abyss and doesn’t recognize it. Lost in its own echo chamber, the domestic and foreign manufacturers descended on Detroit for the latest iteration of the North American In
ternational Auto Show (Can we please officially shorten this to NAIAS Detroit?) declaring the inexorable triumph of automation, electrification and a switch from being automakers to mobility providers.

2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid — The perfect car for most people

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(January 16, 2017) Ford has made some key changes to the Fusion for its 2017 mid-cycle refresh, upping its game in the mid-sized hybrid sedan segment. While Ford decided not to make major changes to the overall looks of the Fusion, there is an all-new front end including new LED headlamps with LED accent strips. The grille is essentially the same shape, albeit smaller, with new options and fog lamps on the lower valance. The look is definitely sleeker and more aggressive.

Ducati ends 2016 on high note with motorcycle sales topping 55,000

(January 16, 2017) BORGO PANIGALE, Bologna, Italy — Ducati Motor Holding enjoyed further growth in 2016, delivering 55,451 motorcycles to customers all over the world: that's an increase of 1.2% compared to 2015 (54,809 bikes).

“Ending the year of our 90th anniversary with yet another record is a source of immense pride and satisfaction”, commented Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “2016 was the seventh consecutiv
e growth year for Ducati, clearly confirming the soundness of the Bologna-based group's strategy and skills.”

Mopar brand marks 80th anniversary in 2017

(January 16, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Mopar brand, born on Aug. 1, 1937, as a contraction of the words “Motor Parts,” celebrates 80 years in 2017, marking an amazing evolution over eight decades. First introduced as the name of a line of antifreeze products, the Mopar brand has since transformed to encompass total service, parts and customer care for FCA vehicle owners around the globe.

FCA announces $1 billion in new investment at two manufacturing plants

(January 16, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has confirmed the next phase of its industrialization plan by announcing a total $1 billion investment in plants in Michigan and Ohio, and the addition of 2,000 new American jobs.

FCA says that consistent and combined with previously announced investments, the company is further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its U.S. manufacturing base, and aligning U.S. capacity to extend the Jeep product lineup.

Audi offers a new take on the luxury SUV — The Audi Q8 concept

(January 15, 2017) HERNDON, Va. — With the Audi Q8 concept shown this past week in Detroit, Audi is tapping into a new segment for the full-size class — an elegant alternative to the robust presence of a classic sport utility vehicle. The Q8 concept stands for maximum prestige. It combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the emotional lines of a coupe.