April 2023

Volkswagen discovers doors on some ID4 EVs can fling open



(April 6, 2023) Volkswagen Group has ordered dealers in the U.S. and Canada to stop selling its ID4 electric compact crossover because its doors might open while in motion, and the German carmaker doesn’t yet have a fix for the problem. Nearly 18,000 vehicles built at VW's Chattanooga assembly plant in Tennessee may have door handles that are malfunctioning because of water seeping in, according to a stop-sale notice dated April 3. This can “cause a situation where a vehicle door could open unexpectedly” at low speed, VW said.

Up to 44 miles all-electric with 2023 Prius Prime



(April 6, 2023) PLANO, Texas — The 2023 Prius Prime is the multitalented plug-in hybrid that’s made for life on the go. With a full charge, it can easily handle most daily commutes, with a manufacturer-estimated all electric range of up to 44 miles. When the longer-haul calls, its fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain is ready to keep going, with a manufacturer-estimated 52 MPG combined rating on the SE grade. Add in a sleek, sporty new look with a comfortable, tech-packed interior and it’s an all-new Prius Prime that’s ready for the road ahead.

Subaru debuts the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness at the N.Y. auto show



(April 6, 2023) NEW YORK — Subaru has revealed the newest member of the Wilderness family, the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness, at the New York International Auto Show. Combining Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a revised drivetrain, standard X-MODE, elevated 9.3-inch ground clearance and exclusive body cladding, the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness is the most rugged and trail-capable Crosstrek ever.

Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround is audio choice for BMW XM



(April 5, 2023) Drawing on more than 50 years of expert design and craftsmanship, leading British audio manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins is once again bringing the developments from its world- renowned home audio to BMW Group, with the launch of the BMW XM. The Diamond Surround Sound System by Bowers & Wilkins, which was also featured in the launch of the new BMW 7 Series models, combines expert engineering and elegant design to deliver audio excellence throughout the vehicle’s interior.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS models — Fresh look, new software



(April 5, 2023) Hot on the heels of the new GLE and GLE Coupe, the 2024 Mercedes‑Benz GLS, Mercedes‑Maybach GLS 600 and Mercedes‑AMG GLS 63 introduces a host of new updates. A number of design, technology and equipment changes take the comfort, connectivity and performance of the full-size SUV model series to new heights. With generous interior dimensions, the SUV models offer interior space for up to seven occupants. The new 2024 GLS model range will arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept propels luxury brand into performance arena



(April 5, 2023) NEW YORK — Genesis has unveiled the GV80 Coupe Concept at an exclusive event at Genesis House New York. The four-passenger GV80 Coupe Concept adds a new facet to the Genesis brand. “It emphasizes the duality of the Genesis brand by showcasing the antagonistic character that lives within the Athletic and Elegance parameters of Genesis’ design philosophy,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer.

Tesla posts sales record after slashing prices



(April 4, 2023) Tesla Inc. posted record quarterly vehicle deliveries after cutting prices of its cars, but quarter-on-quarter sales growth was modest because of rising competition and a bleak economic outlook. The automaker delivered 422,875 vehicles in the first three months, up 4 percent from the previous quarter and 36 percent higher than in the same quarter a year ago after cutting prices on certain models, according to Reuters.

Groundbreaking airbag technology earns Honda engineer government award



(April 4, 2023) Honda safety engineer Eric Heitkamp has received the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Department of Transportation for his work in leading the creation of a groundbreaking front passenger airbag design.  Heitkamp accepted the U.S. Government Award for Safety Engineering Excellence at the 2023 Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) conference in Yokohama, Japan. Designed to decrease the chance of serious brain injury, the new passenger front airbag technology is now standard equipment in the Acura MDX, Acura TLX and Honda Pilot.

'23 Kia EV6 GT — Quickest Kia ever outguns Tesla Model Y, Porsche Taycan 4S



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 4, 2023) We first reviewed and wrote about Kia’s all- and electric only EV6 sedan with its quirky exterior design and straddling the lines of being a crossover utility vehicle, wagon or a sportback sedan that we deemed “stunning” in design language about one year ago.