Category Archives: shows and events

GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans* under the Chevrolet brand. The shift brings BrightDrop EVs to Chevrolet’s broad commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. BrightDrop EVs offer GM-estimated 272 miles of combined city/highway range** and advanced features to help keep drivers safe and alert. This give BrightDrop customers access to one of the industry’s largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks. All Chevrolet dealers will sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial EV requirements.

“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done.” Continue reading

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EV Grumblings – Hyundai Motor Changes Its Way

Hyundai Motor said today it intends to leverage its expertise to bolster its position in the hybrid market under its new Hyundai Dynamic Capabilities strategy, a flexible response to the EV market based on core capabilities. Executive summary – Hyundai is modifying its EV strategy in the face of weak EV demand. Under this change in ways, Hyundai will expand the application of its hybrid system beyond compact and mid-size cars to small, large and luxury vehicles. This will increase its current range from seven to 14 models. This expansion will encompass not only Hyundai vehicles but also its luxury brand, Genesis, which will offer a hybrid option for all models, excluding those that are exclusively electric.

“In the electrification era, Hyundai has distinguished itself by rapidly launching a comprehensive lineup of EVs, catering not only to mass-market brands but also to the luxury and high-performance segments,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Building on our advanced technology and dedication to innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market as the adoption of electrified vehicles gains momentum.” Continue reading

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Freshened 2025 Acura RDX Now at Dealers

Acura said this morning that the refreshed 2025 RDX is now arriving at dealers ranging in price from $46,050 to $55,800 including destination. RDX has a new “frameless” Diamond Pentagon grille and “aggressive grille mesh.” Standard RDX now has a “premium gloss-black exterior trim.” All RDX models have new wheel designs, with standard Berlina Black 19-inch wheels. New paint colors include Solar Silver Metallic, and new to RDX – Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl. Continue reading

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Bentley Joins Leather Naturally NGO for Sourcing

Bentley Motors said today in an awakened announcement that it has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally,* said to the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) says it is dedicated to promoting … Continue reading

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Shareholder Warning – Ford Delays Next Gen Electric Truck

Electric vehicle consumers currently, so to speak, are more cost-conscious than early adopters, looking to electric vehicles as a practical way to save money on fuel and maintenance, as well as time by charging at home. This, along with numerous new electric vehicle choices coming to market during the next 12 months , as well as rising compliance requirements, has multiplied pricing pressures. In short (groan) all automakers to survive must have  globally competitive cost structure, emphasizing some customer and product segments to ensure profitable growth and capital efficiency. Continue reading

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Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money –  prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge. Continue reading

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Relatively Cheap – The 2025 Nissan Rogue On Sale

Nissan said today that the 2025 Nissan Rogue* is on-sale now with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [MSRP footnote 2 below] of $29,230, a minor price increase following a less than successful mild changes for the 2024 model year and the addition of Google built-in. Continue reading

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Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts

“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading

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Performance Driving – Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype

Acura today debuted the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing a potential new line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation* performance parts. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, a congregation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is said to build “upon the dynamic capabilities of the most powerful, best performing Integra ever to deliver ultimate street and track performance for Acura enthusiast customers to enjoy on their own Integras.”

“HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA.”Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional – if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” Continue reading

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Brittany Blue Added to Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition

“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV

Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.

“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading

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IIHS On Intelligent Speed Assistance

“ISA systems have been around for several decades. Using GPS devices with speed limit maps, onboard sensors or cameras that “read” signs or both, they can identify the speed limit in the vehicle’s location and detect when the driver exceeds it, but they vary in their response. Unlike the unit I used, which worked by restricting the engine’s output, some systems only provide an audible or visual warning or make the accelerator harder to press. As of July 1, new vehicles sold in Europe are required to have ISA that at least provides a warning, and the California legislature is currently considering a similar mandate for vehicles sold in the state.

“Even without a legal requirement, ISA systems of various types are starting to appear as options on new vehicles in the U.S., and companies such as MAGTEC and Sturdy sell aftermarket ISA systems, primarily targeting fleet operators. Navigation apps also include speed warnings if the user chooses. Continue reading

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UAW Files Labor Charges Against Donald Trump And Elon Musk for Attempting to Intimidate and Threaten Workers

“When we say Donald Trump is a scab, this is what we mean. When we say Trump stands against everything our union stands for, this is what we mean,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Donald Trump will always side against workers standing up for themselves, and he will always side with billionaires like Elon Musk, who is contributing $45 million a month to a Super PAC to get him elected. Both Trump and Musk want working class people to sit down and shut up, and they laugh about it openly. It’s disgusting, illegal, and totally predictable from these two clowns.” Continue reading

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Honda 1964 RA272 F1 Car to Lap Laguna Seca Historic Races

Honda engines have powered four drivers to a combined eight Formula One Drivers’ Championships. Engines created by Honda have twice set F1 records for the most race wins in a season, including a historic 2023 season, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez winning all but one race in dominant fashion. This beat the previous win-rate record set by McLaren Honda in 1988 with drivers Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. As this run went on and on veteran racing journalist Chris Economaki said into an open mike during ABC’s Wide World of Sports coverage that “I have seen better racing in a Cornfield in Iowa on Saturday night.”  ABC fired him. When I caught up with him later in the press room of the New York Auto Show I said, “sorry to hear about your ABC gig,”  Chris said, “They bought my voice, not my mind.” The lack of competition for the past couple of season in F1 has been well noted by others – but not as succinctly as Chris did.  Continue reading

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AC Cars Revives Cobra GT Coupe

AC Cars released today the first images of the new AC Cobra GT Coupe. The first ever official AC Cobra coupe set for production, working from an augmented version of the existing AC Cobra GT Roadster architecture. This road-going model, you might remember – if you are of a certain age and Monte Carlo Rally, LeMans and Kammtail resonate – draws on AC’s racing heritage. Continue reading

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