News archive

May 2018

Volvo launches new platform for long-distance coaches

Tags:

(May 29, 2018) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Design, safety and comfort are in focus when Volvo launches a new coach platform. Volvo says an all-new model range with innovative design and high comfort will persuade more people to travel by coach, even on long-distance trips.

"This is a historic step, the biggest renewal of our European coach range for more than 20 years. I'm convinced that our customers and their passengers will appreciate the result," says Hakan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses.

BMW to offer wireless charging pad for plug-in vehicles

Tags:

(May 29, 2018) MUNICH — BMW i launches yet another world first in the form of a factory-fitted, fully integrated inductive charging facility for the high-voltage battery in a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Production will start in July. 

As part of the BMW Group’s NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy, the company is once again leading the way in the development of groundbreaking charging technology that greatly enhances the ease of use and everyday practicality of electrified vehicles. BMW Wireless Charging option can be ordered now as a leasing-option for the BMW 530e iPerformance.

Self-driving motorcycle improves testing of autonomous vehicles

Tags:

(May 29, 2018) BRADFORD-on-AVON, England — A self-driving motorcycle, co-developed by AB Dynamics, one of the leading suppliers of advanced automotive test systems, will allow autonomous cars to be tested under much more challenging and representative conditions. Unlike slow-moving pedestrians and cyclists, the combination of rapid acceleration and extreme maneuverability means motorcycles present a particular challenge to an autonomous vehicle or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Mecum's Indianapolis auction brings in $69.4 million in sales

Tags:

(May 28, 2018) INDIANAPOLIS — Dana Mecum’s 31st Original Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis outdid itself once again with a 24-percent growth in overall sales from just last year, earning it a place in the books as the highest-grossing Spring Classic auction in its 31-year history. The six-day classic and collector car auction brought in $69.4 million in total sales as 1,406 vehicles changed hands for a strong sell-through rate of 76 percent.

All new Hyundai Veloster stays quirky and fun to drive

Tags:

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

AUSTIN, Texas — I first heard about the Veloster back in 2012 when Hyundai initially launched the quirky little hatchback, and the name reminded me of a carnival ride. “Weird name for a car,” I thought. Fast forward to May 2018, when Hyundai fittingly introduced the second generation 2019 Veloster to the media in Austin, a city that takes immense pride in proclaiming itself the weirdest city in the country (although Portland, Ore., takes exception to that claim).

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan hits the target, but misses the bullseye

Tags:

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(May 27, 2018) After the plus-size Atlas, the 2018 Tiguan felt like a station wagon in comparison. It’s not as tall, not as wide, not as long, nor is it as boxy as its bigger brother. It’s also, it should be noted, nowhere near as small — tiny really — as the first generation Tiguan. That vehicle felt like a Golf GTI, and had about as much interior room, making it an anomaly in the crossover market. It was close in size to today’s subcompact SUVs, but more expensive.

FCA recalling 4.8 million vehicles in U.S. for malfunctioning cruise control

Tags:

(May 26, 2018) Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling 4.8 million U.S. vehicles over a defect that could prevent drivers from deactivating cruise control, the company said on Friday, warning owners not to use the function until they get software upgrades.

The recall addresses what Fiat Chrysler called an "extremely rare" series of events that could lead to drivers being unable to cancel cruise control, an electronic device that allows a vehicle to maintain a constant speed without driver intervention.

New GM World display celebrates racing heritage

Tags:

(May 26, 2018) DETROIT — General Motors’ motorsports heritage takes the pole position in GM World in the heart of the company’s Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit. A dozen modern and vintage racing vehicles and pace cars from across the motorsports spectrum fill the new display, which opens this week to the public ahead of the June 1-3 running of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.

Upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor raises off-road performance

Tags:

(May 25, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is making its iconic F-150 Raptor – the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup – even better with upgraded technology including class-exclusive, electronically controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control and all-new Recaro sport seats. The upgrades are focused on key components that have made F-150 Raptor the benchmark in off-road trucks for an even tougher, smarter, more capable trail runner.

An exit, an entry and a new 2018 BMW G 310R

Tags:

(May 25, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Steve Boydston was heading for the exit at the Chicago Motorcycle Show when his buddy pointed out an opportunity to win a 2018 BMW G 310 R at the BMW Motorrad display.   Postponing the blast of arctic February air he was about to encounter outside the convention center, Steve sauntered over and entered the BMW Motorrad 2017-18 IMS Sweepstakes.  It was his lucky day.