October 2017

Chrysler launches California-specific marketing for Pacifica plug-in hybrid

(October 11, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler brand is launching a multimedia marketing campaign in California for the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid — the only hybrid minivan available on the market. In the campaign, which uniquely speaks to the California market’s lifestyle and culture, the state symbols of the grizzly bear, valley quail, desert tortoise and (serpentine) rock act as lobbyists to recommend the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid minivan as the “Official Family Vehicle for California.”

Mecum Chicago collector-car auction achieves 12.6 million in sales

(October 11, 2017) WALWORTH, Wis.— The Mecum Chicago 2017 collector-car auction held this past weekend achieved $12.6 million in overall sales with 72-percent of the 795 vehicles offered hammering sold.

Attendance was strong as enthusiasts flocked to the Schaumburg Convention Center to dive into a sea of beautiful cars and to watch the Chicago Blackhawks’ tenor soloist Jim Cornelison perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” to open the auction on Friday morning.

Do Halloween right and make your pumpkin a Camaro

(October 11, 2017) — A 2018 Camaro ZL1 1L3 carving pattern from GMPartsCenter.net is now available, allowing anyone to turn a boring old pumpkin into one of Chevy's hottest cars. With a printer, tools, and a steady hand, a decent sized pumpkin can be transformed into a one-of-kind Halloween decoration.

“Why buy a new 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE when you can carve one into a pumpkin?,” says Matt Mylan, director at GMPartsCenter.net.

Mazda to display two concept models at Tokyo Motor Show

(October 10, 2017) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda will exhibit two concept models at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, one that heralds the company's next-generation products and another that embodies the direction of the company's next-generation design. Mazda will also display the SKYACTIV-X next-generation gasoline engine as a technology exhibit at the show, which runs from Oct. 28 through Nov. 5.

OMRON develops onboard driver monitoring sensor

(October 10, 2017) KYOTO, Japan — OMRON Corporation has announced the development of a world-first with its Onboard Driver Monitoring Sensor. OMRON's latest offering is equipped with technology that uses three barometers to judge whether the driver is capable of focusing on driving responsibilities: (1) whether the driver is observing the vehicle's operation (Eyes ON/OFF); (2) how quickly the driver will be able to resume driving (Readiness High/Mid/Low); and (3) whether the driver is behind the wheel (Seating ON/OFF).

Daimler has plans for 10 different all-electric vehicles by 2022

(October 10, 2017) STUTTGART — On the road to locally emission-free driving, Daimler is continuing to pursue a three-lane drive system strategy involving electric vehicles, hybrid models and combustion engines. The company is taking a holistic approach to electrification under the new EQ technology and product brand. In addition to developing a modular family of vehicles, there will be a comprehensive ecosystem that includes the required charging infrastructure.

GM advances self-driving research acquiring LIDAR developer

(October 9, 2017) DETROIT — General Motors announced today it has acquired LIDAR technology company Strobe, Inc. As part of the deal, Strobe’s engineering talent joins GM’s Cruise Automation team to define and develop next-generation LIDAR solutions for self-driving vehicles.

“Strobe’s LIDAR technology will significantly improve the cost and capabilities of our vehicles so that we can more quickly accomplish our mission to deploy driverless vehicles at scale,” said Kyle Vogt, founder and CEO, Cruise Automation.

Hyundai Tucson fuel cell drivers accumulate 3 million miles

(October 9, 2017) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — In celebration of National Hydrogen Day, Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell drivers have again surpassed an important threshold, accumulating more than three million miles on the roads and highways of both Southern and Northern California.

Mini Living Urban Cabin offers solutions to urban living

(October 9, 2017) NEW YORK — Mini Living Urban Cabin will be on view in the outdoor courtyard at A/D/O until Nov.  22. Designed by Mini Living in collaboration with New York-based architecture firm Bureau V, Mini Living Urban Cabin at A/D/O aims to offer a solution to the modern challenges of urban living in the form of a micro-living, shared-housing concept.

Mini founded A/D/O as a creative space dedicated to exploring new boundaries in design. A/D/O aims to stimulate great design and be a prolific source of new ideas that improve urban life.

Mercedes-Benz launches campaign to support epic action movie

(October 9, 2017) STUTTGART, Germany — JUSTICE LEAGUE, one of the most anticipated superhero movies of all time, will hit U.S. theaters beginning Nov. 17 from Warner Bros. Pictures, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will join the League alongside Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash as they race to save the planet from an alien assault of catastrophic proportions.