July 2018

Hyundai invests in Autotalks to develop connectivity technology

(July 5, 2018) SEOUL, South Korea — Hyundai has announced a strategic partnership with Autotalks, a leading technology company specialized in the manufacturing of Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication chipsets. Hyundai has formed a strategic partnership with Autotalks through a direct investment to accelerate the development and deployment of the next-generation chipset for connected cars.

V2X technology allows vehicles to communicate with one another, with other road users and road infrastructure, enhancing road safety and mobility.

Acura RDX snaps multiple sales records amidst 2019 model launch

(July 5, 2018) TORRANCE, Calif. — The all-new 2019 Acura RDX compact luxury SUV came out of the gate at full gallop, helping break multiple U.S. sales records in June, while topping its highly competitive segment. The 2019 model, which arrived at U.S. dealerships June 1, is the first in a new generation of Acura products and represents the most extensive Acura redesign in a decade.

1992 Mitsubishi Delica spotted on Scenic Highway 12 in Utah

(July 4, 2018) It's extremely rare to come across a Mitsubishi Delica cab-over van in the United States because is has never come to our shores. It has been sold in Japan and other Asian countries, some European countries and in Australia and New Zealand since its inception in 1968.

Volvo launches mobility brand M — Access to cars through intuitive app

(July 5, 2018) Volvo Cars has launched M, a new brand that will expand the company’s global mobility operations by providing dependable, on-demand access to cars and services through an intuitive app. Moreover, M will learn about its user’s needs, preferences and habits, personalizing the customer relationship. It will debut in Sweden and the U.S. in the spring of 2019.

Henry Leland's search for perfection

By William G. Sawyer
Contributing Editor, The Virtual Driver

(July 4, 2018) How many Lincoln owners know their vehicle is the product of an argument with a pacifist, a billionaire’s vendetta, and a cruel, heartless father’s begrudging attempt to give his sensitive, talented son a chance — no matter how slim — to emerge from his shadow?

Once a hauler of gas



GMC streamlined its truck design in 1939 and reconfigured its 6-cylinder engines. This 1939 medium duty GMC truck hauled Sinclair gas through the 1940s near Paris Springs Junction, Mo. It's now an attraction for sightseers along old Route 66 in southwestern Missouri. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Subaru sets new sales record for the first half of 2018

(July 4, 2018) Subaru of America, Inc. has reported 59,841 vehicle sales for June, a 15 percent increase over June 2017, and the best June in the history of the company. On the back of a best-ever sales performance in 2017, the automaker sold a record 322,860 vehicles in the first half of 2018, up 6 percent over the same period last year.

June marked the 52nd consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company, as well as the 500,000th sale of Crosstrek since the rugged hatchback went on sale in 2013.

Volkswagen to unveil new camper van next month in Germany

(July 4, 2018) HANNOVER, Germany — Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has taken the 2017 California XXL concept vehicle and developed it into a camper van ready for full production. The company will present the new Crafter-based camper for the first time at the 2018 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany Aug. 24-Sept. 2.

GM gains half a point in market share in second quarter

(July 3, 2018) DETROIT — Very strong truck sales and a wave of all-new crossovers helped General Motors deliver more than 758,000 vehicles in the United States in the second quarter of 2018. Second quarter sales at Chevrolet and GMC far outpaced the industry on a year-over-year basis, growing 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively, while industry sales are estimated to be up 1 to 2 percent.

Cadillac sales were up 3 percent and GM’s overall sales were up 5 percent for an estimated market share of 16.6 percent, up 0.5 percentage points.

Sport Touring model added to 2019 Buick LaCrosse lineup

(July 3, 2018) DETROIT — The 2019 Buick LaCrosse will add a new style statement when a new Sport Touring (ST) model joins the lineup this summer. The ST brings a monotone theme to the LaCrosse with a body color grille surround and side vents, which are finished in chrome on other models. Additionally, the ST features a subtle rear spoiler, black mesh grille, 19-inch midnight silver wheels, and “ST” badging on the trunk lid.