October 2017

Kia enters Europe's fastest growing market sector with Stonic SUV

(October 17, 2017) Kia this week enters Europe's fastest-growing market sector, that for small (B-segment) SUVs, with Stonic, an "exciting, sporty, confident and smart new model" priced from £16,295 ($21,500). The B-SUV market in Europe is expected to double to more than two million a year by 2020, based on 2016 figures.

New Volvo 7900 Electric bus offers greater range and flexibility

(October 16, 2017) GÖTEBORG, Sweden — Volvo Buses is now launching a new version of its all-electric bus, the Volvo 7900 Electric. With significantly extended range and more charging options, the new Volvo 7900 Electric offers bus operators even greater flexibility.

Battery capacity, in particular, has been significantly extended compared with before. The new Volvo 7900 Electric is available with a choice of 150, 200 and 250 kWh. This means that the bus can run far longer between charges, allowing it to be utilized more efficiently throughout the day.

BMW Group electrified sales top 10,000 units in September

(October 16, 2017) MUNICH, Germany — BMW Group sales of electrified vehicles in the first three quarters of 2017 have exceeded those achieved in the whole of 2016; in September, electrified sales topped the 10,000 mark for the first time in a single month.

With the company’s electrified line-up already totaling nine models, a total of 10,786 BMW i, BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles were delivered in September, bringing the year-to-date total to 68,687, a 64.2% increase over last year.

Mitsubishi Re-Model A project to make Velocity show

(October 16, 2017) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi has announced the completion of the Mitsubishi Re-Model A project they embarked on with West Coast Customs earlier this year. The vehicle will make its television debut on a special episode of Inside West Coast Customs, premiering Monday, Nov.ember 6 at 10 p.m. on Velocity .  The show will highlight the entire build, from conceptualization to the first drive.

Fiat Chrysler recalling 470,000 vehicles for head restraint issue

(October 15, 2017) Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said on Friday it is recalling 470,000 vehicles worldwide to replace a component that may inhibit deployment of the vehicles’ active head restraints in the event of a crash.

Fiat Chrysler says owners who see an air bag warning light should contact dealers. U.S. safety regulators began investigating the problem in June after getting 44 consumer complaints.

Ford announces complimentary service to 2011-2017 Explorer owners

(October 14, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is aware that some 2011-17 Explorer owners have concerns about exhaust or carbon monoxide. These vehicles are safe. Our investigation has not found carbon monoxide levels that exceed what people are exposed to every day.

However, for our customers’ peace of mind, Ford is offering a complimentary service that reduces the potential for exhaust to enter the vehicle. Customers can take their vehicles, regardless of mileage or warranty status, to a Ford dealer to have this service performed, starting Nov. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2018.

Green4U Technologies displays all-electric SUVs at two shows

(October 14, 2017) BRASELTON, Ga. — Green4U Technologies, a Georgia-based provider of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV technologies, displayed its first all-electric vehicles — the heavy duty MTU-6 SUV and the Enova SUV— at two U.S. expositions this week. Both feature six doors to provide easy access to each SUV's second- and third-row seats.

Honda engine production in Ohio reaches 25 million milestone

(October 13, 2017) ANNA, Ohio — Associates at Honda’s Anna, Ohio, engine plant, the largest Honda engine plant in the world, today celebrated the 25 millionth engine produced since Honda of America Mfg. opened the facility in 1985.

Honda recently invested $47 million in the Anna Engine Plant for the introduction of the new engine lineup for 2018 Honda Accord, including two new, direct-injected VTEC Turbo 4-cylinder engines and the 2.0 i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine for the Accord Hybrid. Total investment at the plant now exceeds $2.7 billion.

DB11 Volante — The return of the ultimate convertible sports GT

(October 13, 2017) NEW YORK — Aston Martins begins a new convertible chapter with the introduction of the DB11 Volante. Joining the DB11 Coupe, which was launched to wide acclaim last year, the new DB11 Volante sets new standards of performance, innovation, engineering and style to create the definitive open-top Sports GT.

Powered by a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo 503 horsepower V8 engine, the DB11 Volante is built around the all-new bonded aluminum structure first seen in the DB11 Coupe.

BMW Motorrad presents the R 1200 RS ConnectedRide

(October 13, 2017) MUNICH, Germany — For decades, BMW Motorrad has been regarded as a frontrunner when it comes to issues of safety in connection with motorcycling. BMW Motorrad has continued to establish itself as the trailblazer, be it with ABS, anti-slip control, dynamic traction control or rider equipment. BMW Motorrad is continually striving to improve motorcycling safety and to make riding on two wheels even safer and more attractive.