April 2017

GM announces more than 1,100 jobs to expand Cruise Automation

(April 15, 2017) SAN FRANCISCO — General Motors has announced that it will add more than 1,100 new jobs and invest $14 million in a new research and development facility for Cruise Automation in San Francisco. These investments will allow Cruise Automation to expand development of self-driving technologies that will transform personal mobility.

“Expanding our team at Cruise Automation and linking them with our global engineering talent is another important step in our work to redefine the future of personal mobility,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra.

Unveiled: 707-horsepower 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

(April 14, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Injected with an unmatched 707 horsepower courtesy of an awe-inspiring supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the most awarded SUV ever and the most capable full-size SUV on the planet has been transformed into the most powerful and quickest SUV ever. Introducing the new 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

2018 Acura TLX gets more aggressive design, new technology

(April 14, 2017) Acura has unveiled a refreshed and significantly enhanced 2018 TLX performance luxury sedan, delivering the brand's Precision Crafted Performance design direction to its core sedan. The all-new TLX A-Spec takes the sedan's design in an even more emotional direction. Acura hopes this will broaden the brand's appeal to younger buyers.

Ford sales in China surpass quarter million, but down from last year

(April 14, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Today Ford announced March and first quarter sales results in China indicating it sold more than 250,000 vehicles in the first three months of 2017, down 19 percent compared to the same time in 2016.

Ford and its joint ventures sold more than 90,000 vehicles in March, down 21 percent compared to March 2016; Year-to-date sales for Ford and its joint ventures totaled 243,530 vehicles, down 21 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mecum Houston auction sales reach $21.7 million

(April 14, 2017) WALWORTH, Wis. — Overall sales totals at the Mecum Houston 2017 collector-car auction held this past weekend at the NRG Arena in Houston, Texas, reached $21.7 million. With 793 vehicles offered throughout the three-day auction, an impressive 70-percent sell-through rate was achieved as 554 cars hammered sold.

Held during the same weekend as the Houston Auto Show, the Mecum Houston 2017 auction was host to large crowds all three days as auto enthusiasts from across the country poured into NRG Park for a double dose of automotive and collector-car excitement.

Cherokee's $5,000 cash back leads 10-best new-car deals in April

(April 14, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — Springtime is the perfect time to get into your next new car. After reviewing recent new-car data, the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book have compiled a list of their top 10 lease, financing and cash back deals for new models available this month from a variety of automakers.

"This month's list showcases a wide variety of great deals on SUVs, sedans, small hatchbacks and a minivan," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Shanghai will hold world premiere of Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

(April 13, 2017) The British premium brand Mini will celebrate a world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2017 with the presentation of the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman. The motor show in the megacity on the East China Sea provides the setting for the first public appearance of the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman.

The model is the ultimate partner for all those who wish to combine a desire for adventure, versatility and off-road capabilities with hallmark Mini go-kart feeling, supreme power and outstanding driving dynamics.

Ford kicks off hybrid future with Police Responder Hybrid Sedan

(April 13, 2017) LOS ANGELES — Ford continues its drive to be a global electric vehicle leader revealing the second of 13 new electrified vehicles the company plans to introduce in the next five years. The industry’s first pursuit-rated hybrid police car, the all-new Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, is part of a $4.5 billion Ford investment to make electric vehicles that give customers greater capability, productivity and performance – plus better fuel economy.

Toyota Prius Prime wins 2017 World Green Car Award

(April 13, 2017) NEW YORK — Toyota Prius Prime was declared the 2017 World Green Car at the New York International Auto Show. This is the second consecutive year Toyota earned the World Green Car title. Last year the award went to the Toyota Mirai fuel cell car.