News archive

April 2017

Evaluating engine health from the inside

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 30, 2017) It was one of the most unusual demonstrations of a new technology I’d ever seen. Doug Strock, president of Predictive Fleet Technologies (PFT), suggested we meet somewhere halfway between his office and mine. That put us in the largest parking lot near the freeway exit that merges into the Flint, Mich., business district. It just happened to belong to the local Hooters.

First Volvo XC60 rolls off production line in Sweden

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(April 28, 2017) TORSLANDA, Sweden — Production of Volvo Cars’ new XC60 mid-size SUV started this week at the company’s Torslanda plant in Sweden. The first customer-bound car, a T5 Inscription AWD in Crystal White, rolled of the production line just before lunch time.

The new car replaces Volvo’s highly-successful original XC60, which in the nine years since its launch became the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally. The XC60 today represents around 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales.

Ford releases Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy commercial for EcoSport

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(April 29, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford’s newest commercial stars Groot from Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” and the all-new EcoSport — Ford’s fun, capable and connected compact SUV.

EcoSport will also be featured in the Guardians of the Galaxy “What If?... EcoSport Adventure” comic, presented by Ford. The limited-edition 500-print run comic book features Ford EcoSport, Groot, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax and Rocket and will be published online for a short period at by clicking here.

GasBuddy reveals the best day of week to buy gas

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(April 29, 2017) BOSTON — Gasoline prices are currently the most expensive they’ve been in more than 19 months and will continue to increase with summer driving season approaching. GasBuddy has  issued a new study that found the best and worst days of the week to buy gas when it comes to optimal savings.

Toyota recalls about 228,000 MY 2016-2017 Tacoma pickups

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(April 28, 2017) PLANO, Texas — Toyota Motor North America has announced that it is conducting a safety recall of certain Model Year 2016 and 2017 Toyota Tacoma vehicles in the U.S. Approximately 228,000 vehicles are involved.
 
The involved vehicles have rear differentials that may leak oil.  If a vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, the rear differential could become damaged, which can result in noise and reduced propulsion.  In some cases the rear differential could seize, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Atlanta Concours celebrates American Brass Era with Lozier vehicles

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(April 28, 2017) ATLANTA — While only in its second year, the Atlanta Concours is already celebrating a reunion of sorts — a grouping of the rare, elegant, yet performance-oriented Lozier automobiles — which not only happen to be America’s first supercar, but an American Brass Era Icon. 

Moon rover Audi lunar quattro featured in 'Alien: Covenant'

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(April 28, 2017) INGOLSTADT, Germany — The Moon rover Audi lunar quattro celebrates its film debut in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi blockbuster “Alien: Covenant” which premieres worldwide this May. Audi experts have developed the Moon rover in cooperation with the German start-up “Part-Time Scientists.” The rover is expected to embark on a future mission to space.

Mitsubishi, West Coast Customs partner to build 1917 Mitsubishi Model A

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(April 28, 2017) To celebrate its centennial anniversary, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is reaching back to its beginning. In partnership with West Coast Customs, Mitsubishi will re-create the vehicle that started it all, the Mitsubishi Model A, with the latest technology found in the brand in this century.