February 2019

Chevrolet simplifies check-in with Vehicle Locate

(February 21, 2019) DETROIT — The myChevrolet mobile app recently received a new feature that will help ease loved ones’ worries and make the process of checking-in more convenient. The feature is called Vehicle Locate and it allows Chevy owners to send automated text alerts to friends and family when their connected vehicle enters or leaves a designated boundary area, or arrives at or departs from an address. Owners can also use the feature to pinpoint the location of their connected vehicle at any given time.

Volvo begins exporting South Carolina-built S60 to Europe

(February 21, 2019) RIDGEVILLE, S.C. — For the first time, Volvo Car US Operations is exporting the all new S60 sedans to Europe from its plant in Ridgeville, SC. "We began commercial production of the S60s just six short months ago here in South Carolina, and we’re excited to be building cars for customers around the world,” said Jeff Moore, vice president, Manufacturing, Americas.

A 3 Series in the weeds



The BMW 3 Series is a compact car built by the German manufacturer since 1975. This second-generation (1982-1994) 325 was found in an abandoned condition in eastern North Carolina. The second generation expanded the line from just a two-door, to a four-door, convertible and station wagon.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Ram announces pricing of 2019 Heavy Duty pickups starting at $35,090

(February 20, 2019) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram Truck has announced the new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $35,090 including a $1,695 destination charge.
 
"In launching the new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks, we knew it was important to offer class-leading capability, features and technology. But it's also important to offer our great products at a competitive price,” said Reid Bigland, head of Ram Truck Brand.

GM to invest $20 million in Romulus propulsion plant

(February 20, 2019) ROMULUS, Mich.  — General Motors is investing $20 million at its Romulus, Mich., propulsion plant to increase the plant’s capacity for future 10-speed transmission production. Romulus currently builds V6 engines and 10-speed transmissions used in several GM cars, trucks and crossovers.

The new investment will be used to purchase additional machining equipment that will enable the transmission capacity expansion. GM is not disclosing specifics or timing related to the plant’s future products at this time.

Brits 'driving' up demand for parking on rented driveways

(February 20, 2019) LONDON — More than a quarter-of-a-million savvy Brits opted to park on a rented driveway last year instead of in a traditional pay-and-display car park. The increase in bookings for rented driveways and empty parking spaces more than doubled over the last year, meaning that UK motorists saved an estimated £5.7 million by pre-booking with online parking portal rather than sticking with traditional pay-and-display options.

'Import and Japanese Experience' to debut at third Classic Auto Show

(February 20, 2019) COSTA MESA, Calif. — The impact of the burgeoning Japanese import automotive culture will be highlighted at the upcoming Third Annual Classic Auto Show, as a curated display of  some of the country’s finest “Import and JDM cars” and special panel discussions featuring influential builders and executives will be offered to show guests.

“The Import and Japanese Experience” will feature a collection of 16 pristinely conditioned vehicles, led by a 1970 Toyota Crown, a 1974 Mazda RX-3 and a 1973 Datsun 240Z. 

2020 Mercedes SLC —Final edition of an iconic roadster

(February 20, 2019) STUTTGART, Germany — When the SLK first appeared as a production model in 1996, it caused a sensation and founded a new generation of roadsters. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz had produced a roadster whose vario-roof redefined the roadster segment by combining open-air driving pleasure with uncompromised comfort in poor weather that had never been available before.

GMC introduces 2020 Acadia with updated styling, new turbo engine

(February 19, 2019) DETROIT — Smarter technologies in the 2020 GMC Acadia, including a new available turbo engine and the latest GMC infotainment system, along with a fresh look, offer greater versatility for customers on the go. The lineup includes SLE, SLT, an all-new AT4 trim and GMC’s flagship Denali, with available seating arrangements for five, six or seven passengers, depending on the model.

Audi expands traffic light information, now including speed recommendations

(February 19, 2019) HERNDON, Va. — Audi of America announced today an expansion of Traffic Light Information to include Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA), another industry first in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies from the brand. GLOSA can provide speed recommendations to Audi drivers of select 2017 and newer models that can assist drivers in catching the “green wave,” helping to reduce the number of stops at red lights.