December 2020

Bentley Bacalar Car Zero undergoes final testing



(January 1, 2021) CREWE, England — The first member of the Bentley Mulliner Coach built portfolio — the Bacalar  has started its final test, development and durability work in December ahead of the build of 12 pre-sold customer cars due to start build next year. Bacalar Car Zero, a purpose-built engineering prototype and the first barchetta-style Bentley of the modern era, is accumulating mileage and passing crucial quality tests at a variety of locations around Europe.

A 'bullet nose' survivor



Just say the word Studebaker, and the chances are good that the image that springs immediately to mind is of the 1950-1951 models, a.k.a. the "bullet nose." Studebaker was the first major manufacturer to put a totally new design on the market after WWII (1947) using the slogan "First by far with a postwar car." But its most noteworthy post-war design came in 1950. It was radical, but commercially successful. This 1951 "bullet nose" Studebaker was found in eastern North Carolina, awaiting restoration, according to the owner.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Series production of the Volkswagen Beetle began 75 years ago in Wolfsburg



(December 31, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — On Dec. 27, 1945 series production of the Volkswagen Limousine began. Referred to internally as “Type 1,” and later becoming world-famous as the “Beetle,” the vehicle’s unique success story started in Wolfsburg thanks to the strategic vision of British Major Ivan Hirst.

Mecum to offer 200 cars from Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City, Jan. 22-23


 
(December 31, 2020) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions has announced a full-scale extension to the January auction action in Florida with an additional offering of 200 cars plus an extensive selection of Road Art and memorabilia from Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City.

Hyundai Motor wins four 2020 GOOD DESIGN Awards



Hyundai Prophecy


(December 30, 2020) SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Company has announced four wins at this year’s GOOD DESIGN Awards. Hyundai’s two most progressive EV concepts, 45 and Prophecy, together with the all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Hi-Charger, an ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure, were recognized in the Awards’ Transportation category.

Subaru enrolls one-millionth subscriber in SUBARU STARLINK



(December 30, 2020) Subaru of America has announced it has enrolled the one-millionth subscriber into SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services available across Subaru model lines.  These subscription-based services are part of Subaru’s suite of on-board technology called: SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology.  The all-encompassing system provides multimedia content, smartphone connectivity, seamless navigation, extra safety, and everyday convenience.

Kia readies to turn page on 2020 with Times Square celebration



(December 29, 2020) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America will ring in the arrival of 2021 with a groundbreaking effort for the all-new Sorento SUV. The campaign began in early-December with a Sorento embarking on a coast-to-coast tour of the U.S. on a mission to deliver the iconic "2021" New Year's Eve numerals to One Times Square in time for the ball drop. Joining Kia on the cross-country trip were photographers from National Geographic that documented the coast-to-coast journey and captured inspirational stories at select points along the way.

Volkswagen previews its mobile charging robot



(December 29, 2020) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen Group Components has provided the first glimpse of the prototypes of its mobile charging robot. This is one of the visionary charging concepts that Volkswagen hopes will expand the charging infrastructure over the next few years. Its task: fully autonomous charging of vehicles in restricted parking areas, like underground garages. “A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is, and remains, a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” explains Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.