June 2018

Ram updates New 2019 ProMaster vans

(June 27, 2018) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — For the 2019 model year, Ram has upped the ante with increases in both payload capability and towing capability for Ram ProMaster. Ram has also updated the exterior appearance of its popular Ram ProMaster and ProMaster City vans. The most notable visual cues are the redesign of both vans' front fascias now integrating the "RAM" grille theme carried over from the pickup line.

115,000 Lexus vehicles recalled over potential fuel leaks

(June 27, 2018) Toyota is recalling 115,000 Lexus vehicles in the United States to address potential fuel leaks in the engine. The recall covers 2006-2013 Lexus IS350, 2010-2014 Lexus IS350C, and 2007-2011 Lexus GS350 and GS450h models, Toyota reported.

Vehicles covered by the recall are equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine, the company said in a statement.


"The diaphragm material in the fuel pulsation dampers in this engine may harden over time and crack, causing fuel to leak," the company said.

Mecum Portland auction reaches $8.6 million in overall sales

(June 27, 2018) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions returned to the Portland Expo Center this past weekend for its third annual collector-car auction in the City of Roses. Overall sales totals for the two-day auction reached $8.6 million as 296 vehicles successfully hammered sold.

Large crowds of buyers, sellers and spectators filled the Expo Center both Friday and Saturday making for a high-energy event and strong individual sales.

A Classic — Ram to offer old and new body styles concurrently

(June 27, 2018) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — What do you call a 2019 Ram 1500? A Classic! Ram Truck brand executives, with two concurrently selling body styles of its 2019 model-year pickup, have given the legacy edition its own name: Classic. Ram will offer both the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, known internally as the “DS” model, and the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 (“DT”) at its North American dealers through the 2018 calendar year.

Volkswagen prepares 2019 Jetta for Bonneville speed record attempt

(June 26, 2018) HERNDON,Va. —Volkswagen of America has announced that it has prepared a specially-tuned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta to attempt the Southern California Timing Association’s BGC/G class record at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, over Aug. 11-17. The Bonneville Jetta will be powered by a modified version of Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection four-cylinder engine.

Aseel Al Hamad celebrates end of ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia

(June 25, 2018) RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Female racing driver Aseel Al Hamad celebrated the end of the ban on women drivers is Saudi Arabia with a lap of honor in a Jaguar F-TYPE.  Aseel, the first female board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, had never driven on a track in her home country before.

Volkswagen makes history with electric I.D. R Pikes Peak

(June 25, 2018) Volkswagen and the I.D. R Pikes Peak have made history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driving the 500-kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas defeated a field including cars with conventional drivetrain technology. In doing so, he not only broke the previous record for electric vehicles, but also bettered Sébastien Loeb’s all-time record from 2013 — by a full 16 seconds.

Volvo launches S60 sports sedan at first U.S. plant in Charleston, S.C.

(June 24, 2018) CHARLESTON, S.C. — Volvo Cars has revealed its new S60 luxury sedan at the company’s first American manufacturing plant outside Charleston, South Carolina. The new South Carolina plant was officially inaugurated this week. Volvo says the combined car launch and factory opening reinforce Volvo Cars’ commitment to the U.S., an important market for the company and its new sedan. The new S60 is the first Volvo car made in the United States.

2019 Mazda MX-5 gets 17 percent increase in horsepower

(June 23, 2018) IRVINE, Calif. — The Mazda MX-5 Miata has never been about power — it’s a car whose sole purpose is to help the driver and passenger fall in love with driving. But, a little extra power never hurts, which comes as one aspect of numerous updates for the 2019 model year.

Late '40s International pickup



This circa 1947-1949 International pickup was found in an abandoned, but restorable state by Jim Prueter. Following World War II International truck production began with a slightly new design in 1947 highlighted by the barrel-shaped grille sprouting little "wings." The emblem on the side shows that this truck was a heavy duty KB-3 model. In that three-year period International produced 122,000 KB designated trucks.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)