February 2018

Refreshed Cherokee – Appealing new face, off-road capability

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 6, 2018) With 9 million sales worldwide and 2 million in the U.S. alone, the compact crossover utility vehicle is “the largest SUV segment in the world,” says Scott Tallon, director of
Jeep Brand. Up against segment leader Nissan Rogue and big sellers like Honda CRV, RAV4 and Ford Escape, the Jeep Cherokee makes up just 9.5 to 10 percent market share in the segment.

Mercedes-Benz has best yearly start with more than 193,000 sales

(February 6, 2018) STUTTGART, Germany — With a new sales record, Mercedes-Benz started the year 2018 as successfully as it concluded the previous year. In 2017, Mercedes-Benz defended its position as the bestselling premium brand, and the Stuttgart-based company continued to be the number one in important markets also this January.

In Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the U.S., Canada and Brazil for example, Mercedes-Benz maintained its leading position as the premium brand with the most new registrations.

Cadillac global sales increase 5.2% in January; down 3.9% in U.S.

(February 6, 2018) NEW YORK — Cadillac sold 31,330 units globally in January 2018 — an increase of 5.2 percent from the same period last year — marking the 20th consecutive month of global sales growth for the brand. Sales were spurred largely by consumer demand for the XT5 luxury crossover, which remains Cadillac’s top-selling product with a total of 12,113 units delivered worldwide thus far in 2018.

“With a strong start to 2018, our results show that consumers across the globe are continuing to respond positively to Cadillac products,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen.

Porsche doubles e-mobility investment to over 6 billion Euros by 2022

(February 6, 2018) ATLANTA — Porsche has been putting together an unprecedented future development plan: By 2022, the sports car manufacturer will invest more than six billion euros in e-mobility, focusing on both plug-in hybrids and purely electric vehicles. The decision was made by the Porsche AG Supervisory Board at its most recent meeting.

Special editions of Lexus "F" performance models introduced

(February 6, 2018) CHICAGO — The purest expression of Lexus performance, that was the goal of the Lexus “F” performance brand when it was introduced in 2008. Every vehicle with an “F” badge would set new standards for Lexus performance and help redefine the brand for a new generation of customers.

Ford raises performance level of F-150 Raptor for 2018

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 5, 2018) Zero-to-60 mph times are not usually something to be concerned about when dealing with pickup trucks. Towing and hauling capacity, endurance, technology, maybe fuel mileage and/or range mostly come ahead of getting from one spot to another as quickly as possible. But then the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor is not your usual pickup truck.

Hyundai showcases world-first self-driven fuel cell electric vehicle

(February 5, 2018) SEOUL, South Korea — A fleet of Hyundai's next generation fuel cell electric vehicles have succeeded in completing a self-driven 118 mile journey from Seoul to Pyeongchang. This is the first time in the world that level 4 autonomous driving has been achieved with fuel cell electric vehicles.

Until now, autonomous driving has been demonstrated only on selected sections of Korean domestic roads and at a limited speed, this is the first time autonomous vehicles have operated on public highways at 110 km/h (68 mph), the maximum speed allowed by law on Korean highways.

Nissan Armada Snow Patrol debuts at 2018 Chicago Auto Show

(February 5, 2018) CHICAGO — The Nissan Armada Snow Patrol, which makes its world debut this week at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, takes Nissan's flagship SUV to new heights — literally. With its three-inch suspension lift, extreme off-road tires, massive front bumper, light bar and roof rack, the one-off Snow Patrol project takes Armada out of the carpool line and onto snow covered mountains returning Armada to its roots as an adventure-ready off-roader.

Mercedes-Benz reveals all-new A-Class; coming to U.S.

(February 4, 2018) STUTTGART, Germany — The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is as youthful and dynamic as ever, but grown-up and comfortable like never before. It completely redefines modern luxury in the compact class, and revolutionizes interior design. The 2019 A-Class was revealed at a launch event in Amsterdam Saturday.